Environmental risks of economic development case studies

Fracking - California

Background: California has 65% of USA's deposits Opportunity to be largest oil and gas by 2020 due to fracking  

Opportunities: 8-11 million barrels per year oil 604-747 billion cubic m of gas California unemployment: 8%, fracking could create 200 000 jobs $284 million to US economy Oil imports down from 60% to 28%

Threats: Methanol and benzene in fracking - can go to aquifers and drinking water contaminated - human health Methane released (56 times worse than CO2) - pollution Wildlife suffers - deforestation --> endangered species like condor- food chains broken