The Public Opinion of the Environmental and Health Impacts of Shale Gas Extraction in Ghadames Region (Libya)

Abstract

Shale gas is a form of natural gas found trapped within shale formations. Shale gas is vastly distributed around the world. Recently, there has been increasing interest in exploiting shale gas for energy production. As a source of energy, many countries started to investigate their shale gas potential. To understand the public’s views on the extraction of shale gas and its long and short-term health and environmental consequences, this study was undertaken to recognize Ghadames region residents’ awareness of the environmental and health effects resulting from the extraction of shale gas in their areas. Ghadames region is located in northwest Libya, where a potential deposit of shale gas is spotted; therefore, it was perfect as a study area. A population survey from a random sample (N=251) drawn from local residents; it was designed to detect the public opinion of the most likely adverse direct and indirect health and environmental outcomes as a result of fracking; the possible benefits were also included as well. The results show that the majority of respondents support shale gas extraction in their hometown, no matter how the consequences will affect their health and environment, about 70% of the respondents show support for shale gas exploitation.