U.S. Geological Survey says “fracking” is causing earthquakes
By: Dr. Samori Swygert
Earth is being rendered uninhabitable at a rapid pace. This scares and saddens me to see this. Many of us are unconcerned because we don’t see the immediate severity of our environmental insults.
I read an article in the Huffington Post today about earthquakes being caused by the hydraulic fracturing , “fracking”, in America. This is disturbing because our endless quest and pursuit in science, technology, and capitalism is sabotaging our very existence on earth.
I’ve always theorized that these recent string of eartquakes and sinkholes are arising from the increase in fracking. To me it only makes sense. We’re penentrating the layers of earth and disrupting the mantle, and fragile fault lines that have provided structural integrity for ages. We’re pumping high pressured fluid, sand and chemicals deep into the earth, and extracting oil on a nationwide scale. What do we expect to happen? One researcher described fracking as performing an enema within the earth, but all over North America.
The United States Geological Survey said that the fracking is causing earthquake but not a significant seismic magnitude. The report says most of the earthquakes register around a level 3 or less in magnitud, however that is just this study. I’m sure the more pervasive we get with fracking, we’ll see a surge in frequency and magnitude of earthquakes.
I do understand that we do need alternative sources of energy. This is only logical because of the explosion of earth’s population and the demands that come with it. However, also feel that there is a greed and power factor involved, and capitalist entities choose to hoard and control natural resources in excess.
I’m very passionate about science, nutrition, and our environment, and I don’t think we are caring about our ecosystem as we should. Ecological damage is a neccessary evil when we advance industrialization, but is it worth it in the end? I cringe when I think of the ecological environment our babies and kids have to grow up in. Some will never know the pure beauty of earth by the time they’re adults. They’ll never experience and enjoy the treasure nature blessed us with.
We allow corporate entities conduct dangerous penny pinching, environmentally hazardous maneuvers that repeatedely damage our environment. Think about Exxon Valdez Oil spill, the BP Oil spill, the Dan River Coal ash leak, the Fukushima Nuclear reactor leak, and more. With our countries nuclear capabilities, is it possible that an earthquake can damage these facilities and harm us??
The news outlets just released an article this week that detailed how the military will be using our seawater to make Jet Fuel. So extrapolate, and predict what the potential outcomes and ramifications will be. Water is so neccessary for life, however this will now become monetized and militarized on a whole new scale. This reminds me of the movie Elysium. Our most vital and essential resources will are being exploited in gluttonous excess without any 2nd thoughts about our future habitat.
Maybe those that have money will get their timeshare and mansion across town on another planet. How do we balance need and greed with our lives in mind?
Sources
1. http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/man-made-earthquakes/
2. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/10/game-changer-us-navy-can-now-turn-seawater-jet-fue/
