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After 200 years of extraction
and greedy consumption,
cheap and easy access fossil
fuels are reaching their peak.
Enterprises and governments continue to bet
on hydrocarbons as the main energy source,
exploiting deposits known
as "unconventional".
One of the techniques used to
extract these fossil fuels
is called hydraulic fracturing
or fracking.
But, what is fracking?
To release gas and oil, the
geological formation is drilled
and a high pressure mix of
water, sand and chemicals are
injected into the earth.
This lets the fuels flow to the surface so
they can be extracted.
The problem caused by this technique is the
social and environmental impact that can
directly be translated into:
- Increased seismic activity
- Increased emissions of greenhouse gases,
- Greater territorial occupation (trucks, batteries, etc.).
- Air pollution with highly toxic substances.
- Contamination of surface water and groundwater.
Water is a scarce and
non-renewable resource.
Fracking not only consumes
millions of litres,
but also the use of highly toxic chemicals
threatens ground and surface waters,
through leaks to the surface,
spills during handling
or incorrect disposal of residual liquids.
So?
Are we willing to obtain
energy at any price?
In Argentina the
production of conventional
oil and gas and has reached its
productive peak.
The extractive frontier throughout
the country continues
to expand as the search
for hyrdrocarbons extends.
The long-term goal of
YPF and transnational
corporations points
towards exporting the
hydrocarbons obtained
through fracking.
But, who benefits from this
harmful, expensive and
polluting technique?
According to U.S. government estimates,
Argentina has great potential in
unconventional oil
and gas basins.
In fact, fracking is being
done in the country for two years.
In Neuquén, wells have
been fracked in the
provincial natural
reserve Auca Mahuida and
in the indigenous Mapuche
community of Gelay Ko,
violating indigenous law and their
right to prior consultation.
Fracking is also being
implemented in Río ***,
in areas of farms
dedicated to fruit crops;
in Chubut, near Comodoro Rivadavia,
and in Las Heras,
Santa Cruz province.
Moreover, there are also
plans to explore
in provinces without history
of such exploitation.
Fracking risks are
putting populations on
guard around the planet.
Thanks to public
pressure fracking is
banned in countries like
France and Bulgaria and
moratoriums are spreading
in many parts of the world.
In Argentina, several
movements are working
on similar projects
on both local and
provincial levels, and even
on the national level.
By informing and
organizing ourselves,
we can make Argentina a
fracking-free country.
There are other possible
ways to obtain energy.
It's time to promote
clean and renewable
energy sources.
But even more,
it's time to discuss how
and for what we generate energy.
Let's fight for change:
Let's stop fracking.