“The Parliamentary Assembly notes that only one-fifth of the world’s proven fossil fuel reserves (excluding shale gas) can be burned if dangerous climate change is to be avoided and that fracking (unconventional shale gas extraction) has already contributed to falling oil prices and increasing emissions,” the motion reads that was signed by delegates from several countries, including the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Poland and others states.
“Europe has previously taken leadership in controlling global carbon emissions and there is already a moratorium or ban on fracking in the Netherlands, Germany and France as well as Quebec and New York State. Therefore, the Assembly should call for a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) across Europe,” the motion reads.
The motion has not been discussed in the assembly yet.
The PACE is an international organization responsible for upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Using its powers, the assembly may demand action from 47 European governments.
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a technique by which shale gas is extracted through the injection of a toxic fluid mixture deep underground at high pressures. Fracking fluid contains water mixed with sand and several carcinogenic chemicals, including uranium, radium, methanol, mercury and lead. Environmental experts have proven the fracking process contaminates groundwater with toxic materials.
