Forest Protection Blog

TAKE ACTION HERE NOW!

Local activists in South Africa are protesting now on the ground against fracking [search], and they need our support. Large parts of South Africa's beautiful, but water-poor and ecologically sensitive Karoo [search] desert, are under threat of devastation by natural gas drilling operations using the increasingly notorious, controversial and ecologically devastating technique called hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking'. The Karoo region is one of the worlds most ecological and evolutionary unique arid ecosystems and biodiversity hotspot. Unfortunately, the Karoo may also hold vast deposits of fossil fuel natural gas in shale rock deep underground, and the ancient "fossil" water aquifers that exist are inadequate for and threatened by fracking production.

The announcement of Shells intention to pursue shale gas fracking in this area has been followed by huge opposition from local communities in the Karoo and the rest of South Africa. Today and tomorrow local South African activists are protesting Shell oil and others plans to frack the Karoo for natural gas production outside an industry conference in Johannesburg. There is nothing to indicate blasting toxic water at high pressure to shatter rock and release toxic contamination will ever be environmentally acceptable much less sustainable. Please participate in Ecological Internets Karoo fracking affinity campaign, part of our efforts to end fracking globally for 100% renewables, ambitious efficiency, and slashed demand.