Within Europe, it seems to have become almost impossible to move forward on issues like Shale Gas Development (SGD). This is somewhat difficult to understand, because SGD has far more positive effects than negative consequences, especially when compared with alternative development paths toward distant decarbonisation of the energy economy. These positive factors include potentially lower CO₂ emissions levels globally in the short term, employment opportunities, development of local resources, and more. This analysis and commentary explores this puzzle, and posits that the reasons Europeans have been unable to move forward and garner those benefits are both political and social, but not genuinely economic or environmental...

Download the Full Commentary (PDF)

Learn more about Maurice Dusseault