Wild Law Update: The Latest in the Karoo Fracking Debate

by Simon on Jun 8th, 2012

While humans continue to exploit the earth for its resources, there are signs everywhere that the deterioration of the planet’s health, and subsequently the effects on the health of humans and animals are interlinked. One such way in which the earth is exploited is with hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking”.

There have been many arguments as to why it should or should not be done, and it is a cause that concerns many South Africans. There are a number of legal aspects that need to be looked at in order for the Karoo to remain protected, Wild Law helps us to understand the environmental issues at stake within alegal context. Two recent articles in the Sunday Times and the Cape Times take a look at this controversial issue:

One of SA’s leading geohydrologists supported fracking for gas in the Karoo and said it posed no problem for underground water.

Now Professor Gerrit van Tonder, of the University of the Free State, has warned that his new research shows that there is a high risk that fracking in the Karoo could lead to one of the biggest water pollution problems in the world.

Complete article: Cape Times

All sides in the argument over exploiting SA’s potential shale gas bonanza voice their opinions at fossil fuel conference

There is still no certainty on whether South Africa is ready to be “fracked” with different interest groups all pleading their case for or against developing the shale gas industry.

Complete article: Sunday Times