Unfracked

• Watch the recorded Livestream of the conference here

On the eve of the conference, we will also hosted a special screening of GASLAND: PART II with Director Josh Fox
Wednesday 4th September 2013 18:00-21:00
Room A1G3, European Parliament, Brussels

NOTE:
This public conference by the Greens/EFA group was fully interpreted by International Sign (IS) interpreters as well as Live Speech to Text in the room on the livestream

There are several myths circulating about the extraction of shale gas, coal bed methane and other unconventional fossils, through different methods, notably hydraulic fracturing. These include: - that the extraction of such fuels will bring prosperity to Europe - that we can replicate the economic boom of the US, without repeating their environmental mistakes - that shale gas and other UFFs are necessary transition fuels - that they are good for the climate - that we do not need any extra legislation in Europe to regulate these technologies - that the risks to public health are minimal. These are just some of the many myths which will be discussed and debunked during the Greens/EFA Group's morning conference on unconventional fossil fuel extraction, alongside in-depth discussion of the legislative framework, and examples of "fracking-free" campaigns in Europe and the US. Speakers include researchers, academics, campaigners, economists, activists, NGOs, engineers and other stakeholders in this debate. There will be plenty of opportunity for questions and debate from the floor.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

• Transcript: Speech to Text interpretation (odt)

• Presentation by Geert Ritsema (ppt)
• Presentation by John Armstrong (pptx)
• Presentation by Gabrielle Petron (pptx)
  
• Presentation by Mike Hill (ppt)

• Visit the Stop Climate Change campaign site for "Why Ban Fracking and Shale Gas?" & "A Fracktivist's introduction to EU legislation" leaflets in multiple languages

9:15-11:00
Part 1: Fracking-free zones and the legislative framework   Welcome and introduction by José Bové MEP Presentation and Q&A of case study of fracking-free zones in Netherlands
Geert Ritsema, Campaign coordinator Friends of the Earth, Netherlands Presentation from US Frack Action campaign
John Armstrong Presentations from the floor Presentation on European legislative framework
Helène Bras, lawyer, France Questions & Answers / open debate 11:00-12:45
Part 2: Top myths about shale gas explained Introduction and moderation by Carl Schlyter MEP Shale gas extraction is good for the climate
Gabrielle Petron, University of Colorado Q&A The existing legislative framework is adequate 
Mike Hill, oil & gas engineer, UK Q&A Short contribution from DG Environment Q&A Shale gas is good for the economy
Thomas Porcher, economist, France Q&A Shale gas poses minimal risk to public health
Sandra Steingraber (via skype) Further questions/open debate Presentation of Greens/EFA materials and conclusions
by Sandrine Bélier MEP