climateadaptation:

nrdc:

New report details how natural gas extraction is destroying forests in Pennsylvania. This photo says it all.
A new analysis from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) of two counties in Pennsylvania found that natural gas extraction creates “potentially serious patterns of disturbance on the landscape.” Wellpads, roads, pipelines and waste pits are clearcuts in forests. Cumulatively they are very destructive to the natural ecosystem.

According to the USGS: “Changes in land use and land cover affect the ability of ecosystems to provide essential ecological goods and services, which, in turn, affect the economic, public health, and social benefits that these ecosystems provide.” Habitat fragmentation decreases a forest’s “abilty to support viable populations of individual species.”  Read more.

Photo source: Landscape consequences of natural gas extraction in Bradford and Washington Counties, Pennsylvania, 2004–2010: U.S. Geological Survey

nrdc fracking environment nature habitat hydrofracking forest forests ecosystem usgs natural gas Natural Gas Production

amprog:

The United States’ old love affair with coal is headed for a breakup. In 2011, the U.S. consumed 124 MILLION short tons less than it did in 2007. 

(Source: theatlantic.com)

(via reagan-was-a-horrible-president)