First Fracking operation in seven years set to begin despite low public support

The government has stopped asking the British public whether they are for or against fracking for Shale gas just weeks before the first fracking operation in seven years is due to start.

The number of people against extracting shale gas has outweighed those in favour since 2015, and the latest polling by officials found 32% opposed with just 18% in support.

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a way of extracting natural gas from shale rock formations that are often deep underground. It involves pumping water, chemicals and usually sand underground at high pressure to fracture shale – hence the name – and release the gas trapped within to be collected back at the surface.

Related: Buried UK government report finds fracking increases air pollution

Continue reading…