Human Rights Impacts of Fracking - Launch of NUIG HR Clinic Report

Fracking is an unconventional and harmful oil and gas extraction method which typically involves horizontal drilling with high-volume hydraulic fracturing to extract oil and gas from shale bedrock which would not otherwise flow to the surface. Fracking fluid is injected at high pressure into the shale which consists of millions of gallons of fresh water and chemicals that include biocides, lubricants, gelling agents, anti-scaling, and anti-corrosion agents.

A significant body of evidence has now emerged to demonstrate that fracking is dangerous in ways that cannot be mitigated through regulation. Threats include detrimental impacts on water, air, climate stability, public health, farming, property values and economic vitality. Emerging science also shows that fracking is an environmental injustice, with injuries not borne equally by all. For example, pregnant women, children, Indigenous people and impoverished communities are disproportionately harmed by fracking.

Given the increased use of fracking across the world and its harmful impacts, Rowan Hickie (NUIG LLM student) and Bridget Geoghegan (NUIG LLM student) have produced a report highlighting the human rights implications involved in the fracking process under the supervision of Dr. Maeve O’Rourke and Pearce Clancy (PhD student) at the Human Rights Clinic at the National University of Galway, Ireland. To launch the publication of this report, NUIG is delighted to host this webinar which will provide an overview of the main findings of this report.

We will also hear directly from Lois Bjornson who has been directly impacted by fracking activities in Pennsylvania and Dianne Little (from Fermanagh) who risks being affected by fracking with her local community if the Department of Economy in Northern Ireland approves the current fracking applications that have been submitted by Tamboran Resources (UK) Ltd. We will also hear from Eddie Mitchell from Love Leitrim and Michelle Drury (NUIG LLM student) about a proposal calling on Ireland to bring forward a resolution to the UN for a global ban on fracking.

Below is the proposed agenda for the Webinar

5- 5.05pm: Opening Remarks: Shane Darcy (Professor at NUIG)

5.05- 5.20pm: Potential impacts on fracking in local NI communities and update on NI fracking applications: Dianne Little (Lamp Fermanagh: Campaigner and Activist in Fermanagh)

5.20-5.35pm: Impacts on fracking in local communities in Pennsylvania: Lois Bower Bjournson (resident of Pennsylvania)

5.35-6pm: Overview of the Report on the Human Rights impacts of Fracking: Rowan Hickie (LLM student) and Bridget Geoghegan (LLM student) (Authors of the Report)

6-6.10pm: Update on a proposed UN Global Ban: Eddie Mitchell (Love Leitrim) and Michelle Drury (LLM Student)

6.10-6.25pm: Questions and Answers: Facilitated by Dr Maeve O'Rourke - Director of the Human Rights Clinic at NUIG.

6.25pm: Concluding Remarks