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Fracking gets the NMA Taiwan animation treatment

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


Fracking actually got the treatment several months ago as people started worrying their sinks might ignite from methane contamination, but I just saw it this week. It does a decent job of summarizing the general idea behind fracking (pump a bunch of fluids underground to crack rock, extract natural gas) and why people are concerned/opposed/scared about its possible effect on groundwater (your sink might ignite, no biggie).

In light of the new report out of UT Austin’s Energy Institute, it would be good a new animation with an update from the science community that groundwater contamination may not be a direct result of fracking and related fluids, but possibly from spilling fluids above ground. I'm not sure these fracking videos are anywhere near as viral as say this hilarious Rick Perry treatment, but making sure up-to-date (and accurate!) scientific information is available to the public is as important as the science.


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While we're on it, an updated animation might as well have the exaggerated reactions of the pro natural gas/fracking camp and its opponents similar to this brilliant animation of Canada withdrawing from the Kyoto protocol. It wouldn't be that far off the mark, right?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gN5gTcbGPA4

David Wogan is an engineer and policy researcher who writes about energy, technology, and policy.

David's academic and professional background includes a unique blend of technology and policy in the field of energy systems. Most recently, David worked at Austin Energy, a Texas municipal utility, implementing a Department of Energy stimulus grant related to energy efficiency. Previously, David was a member of the Energy & Climate Change team at the White House Council on Environmental Quality for the Obama Administration.

David holds two Master's degrees from The University of Texas at Austin in Mechanical Engineering and Public Affairs. While at UT, David was a researcher in the Webber Energy Group, where his research focused on advanced biofuel production to offset petroleum use in the transportation sector. David holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, where he researched nuclear non-proliferation measurement technology.

David is a 2013 Aspen Institute Journalism Scholar, joining a select group of journalists from Slate, ABC News, and The New York Times.

David lives in Austin, Texas. Follow along on Twitter or email him at david.wogan@me.com.

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