Extraction of natural gas by hydraulic fracturing is a contentious issue in the UK, exacerbated by a dense population relative to the United States where unconventional drilling is now well established. This panel-audience debate will explore the pros and cons of fracking in a UK context, including environmental concerns, energy and economic policy, energy security, geological and petroleum engineering practicalities, and local and regional
impacts on the UK population. Representatives from industry and academia will comprise a panel of experts in each of these areas, who will pitch their views prior to an audience Q&A and panel cross-questioning. The session will begin and conclude with an interactive survey of the audience’s views on various aspects of fracking and how these may have changed over the course of the debate.