There seem to be recurring stories in the press relating to the enthusiasms of various governments for 'cheap' energy sources (such as coal or fracked gas) with its promises of 'jobs' and 'independence' and the concerns of local folk about the potential for damage to 'their' enviroments. In India, there is the tale of an Indian Greenpeace supporter with a valid visa and no history of criminality being prevented from boarding a flight to London to talk about the possible detrimental effects of proposed coal mining (involving a UK company) in an ancient forested area (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jan/12/greenpeace-india-campaigner-prevented-from-travelling-to-the-uk). In Poland, the initial enthusiasms of investors and the government for extensive fracking seem to have been curtailed by delays and objections (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jan/12/polands-shale-gas-revolution-evaporates-in-face-of-environmental-protests). Environmental damage related to such activities can be both local and planet-wide. It's even more remarkable as, reportedly, there are plans to frack under sections of Swansea West (an even less likely location for substantial energy gains than some of the areas considered above with more potential impact on a relatively crowded local populace).
No comments:
Post a Comment