South Africa says: No Fracking Way!

There has been recent outrage in South Africa about plans by Shell to extract large gas reserves in South Africa's Karoo region (see e.g. this link). The Karoo is the semi-arid central basin that occupies a large proportion of South Africa's area. It is not one of the country's best-known areas; however, it is THE place to see the African starry night, catch a breath of fresh air and view the aardwolf and bat-eared fox roam. Due to the dry climate of the region, communities and agriculture in this region are largely dependent on ground water reserves for their needs. However, it is feared that 'fracking', the method proposed for extracting the gas, may contaminate the precious water supplies of the region. As a matter of fact, according to the above article, "a moratorium on the gas-extraction technique has been imposed by at least 160 communities in the US, as well as in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Canada's Quebec province" due to its polluting potential.

I find it very concerning that obvious irregularities have characterized the mandatory environmental impact assessment (EIA) and public involvement processes of Shell's application. Once again, it appears that money has been used to bypass the environmental laws in South Africa. Mining companies are prospecting across the country, and have tried, and in some cases, succeeded in destroying (sometimes illegally) some of South Africa's most sensitive ecosystems and historical sites. And, in many cases, the Department of Mineral Affairs is allowing them to mine despite sensitive ecosystems, incomplete EIAs, potential dangers to the peoples of the region. However, NO exceptions should be permitted - stick to the laws, enforce the laws! They are there for a GOOD reason - to protect our history, our people, our resources beyond the 30 year life span of mines!