Earth Matters: 'Fracking'-The Blue Bridge to a Green Future?

Fracking"-shorthand for obtaining natural gas through hydraulic fracturing-has become one of the most widely recognized and emotionally charged words in our contemporary energy lexicon. Thanks to abundant supplies, relatively low prices, and cleanburning properties compared to coal, shale gas is booming in the worldwide market. But concerns about the environmental impacts of extraction, including the potential for contamination of fresh water aquifers, are rallying communities to advocate government accountability, and resulting in some outright bans.

Stanford Geophysics Professor Mark Zoback is a leading international expert on this lightning rod issue, working closely with governments including the US, Canada, and China to address safe extraction. In this special event, Zoback will provide a real-world view of the global energy landscape and will discuss the role that shale gas can play in a clean-energy future.