Economic, Environmental, and Health Impacts of the Fracking Boom

The shale gas boom revolutionized the energy sector through hydraulic fracturing (fracking). High levels of energy production force communities, states, and nations to consider the externalities and potential risks associated with this unconventional oil and natural gas development (UOGD). In this review, we systematically outline the environmental, economic, and anthropogenic impacts of UOGD, while also considering the diverse methodological approaches to these topics. We summarize the current status and conclusions of the academic literature, in both economic and related fields, while also providing suggested avenues for future research. Causal inference will continue to be important for the evaluation of UOGD costs and benefits. We conclude that current economic, global, and health forces may require researchers to revisit outcomes in the face of a potential shale bust.

Automated summary

The shale gas boom brought significant changes to the energy sector through hydraulic fracturing, but also raised concerns about environmental, economic, and anthropogenic impacts. Researchers should employ diverse methodological approaches to analyze these issues, with a focus on causal inference for evaluating costs and benefits. Future studies may need to revisit outcomes in the face of potential shale busts due to current economic, global, and health forces.