We all require energy. But as rates rise, anthropogenic climate alter continues, and conventional reserves of oil and gas diminish, the pressing question is, ‘Where will our energy come from?’ Nowadays, as buyers, we all face a selection that will impact us and generations to come. Must we continue to look to massive energy companies and power stations for our supply and assistance the increasingly risky search for ‘unconventional’ sources of fossil fuels in fragile environments, or take direct responsibility for the generation of our own power?

There is some urgency here. A new dash for gas is on the verge of unfolding. Oil and gas companies are operating themselves into a frenzy over the potential bonanza that a new source of power named shale gas provides. So far unexploited in the UK, shale gas occurs at depth in shale beds and, thanks to tactics created in the US, is now accessible and much more importantly, seemingly commercially viable. The British Geological Survey (BGS) reports the UK shale gas reserve potential could be as significant as 150 billion cubic metres – equivalent to roughly 1.five years of total UK gas consumption and worth around £28 billion at current rates.

But this would come at a cost. Exploratory drilling has occurred near Blackpool and already brought on some controversy. Cuadrilla Resources, the organization operating the rig, lately suspended operations following suspicions that two recent earthquakes in the vicinity had been triggered by test ‘fracking’ – the approach by which shale rock is fractured to release gas using high pressure fluid. Far more worryingly, in the US, as the Oscar-nominated documentary Gasland reveals, numerous water sources may have been contaminated by chemical substances employed or mobilised in the fracking method.

As if that weren’t adequate, Cornell University not too long ago reported that shale gas could be worse than coal for the climate due to the fact wells could leak a substantial amount of methane – a potent greenhouse gas. A latest Green Alliance briefing argues a second dash for gas is not in our lengthy-term interests. Far from being a stepping stone to a low-carbon future and route to energy security, shale gas could really deter investment in renewable power and new technologies and commit us to decades much more gas use. Since the UK has currently cut its emissions by switching from coal to gas, a second dash for gas could in truth avoid us from meeting our carbon budgets.

The BGS report states that communities have ‘very tiny vested interest’ in a successful shale gas sector. But this does not cease the sector claiming they will benefit. As Michael Meacher MP points out, “the lengths to which the fossil fuel market will go in its personal self-interest to block what is patently greatest for the world’s energy wants deserve an anti-Nobel prize.” No surprise then that with the 14th round of onshore oil and gas exploration licenses underway, neighborhood communities around the UK are voicing concern. The Vale Says No in Glamorgan are top the charge, anxious that their community, wildlife and water may possibly be contaminated if fracking goes ahead.

The Co-operative is calling for a moratorium on shale gas exploration, and encouraging community-owned renewable energy via The Co-operative Bank’s commitment to invest £1 billion in the sector. In contrast to shale gas and other unconventional fossil fuels, not only can community-owned renewable energy put power in our hands, it also has the potential to bring added positive aspects to communities in the shape of jobs, affordable warmth, and community cohesion. When you quit to assume about it, the selection for future generation is clear. It is, as they say, a no-brainer.

To campaign for a clean energy revolution demands engagement with a broad set of audiences. It is not just about public policy reform but about getting essential public constituencies, communities and civil society on side. To see how that may be accomplished, check out my campaign strategy at The Alter Co. See links in About the Author section.