On Wednesday 19 ^th November the Sociology programme launches the first of its public debates for 2014/15, which takes the controversial subject of fracking as its focus. With David Cameron recently announcing ‘we are going all out for shale gas’, fracking (or hydraulic fracturing) is likely to happen in large parts of the UK, including the South East. Though it has the potential to tap significant onshore fossil fuel reserves, this method of energy extraction is highly contentious.

Its supporters say it can be safely regulated. Its detractors say it is harmful to the environment and human health. We bring together some of the top experts and campaigners on fracking in the country to debate this complex issue. We warmly welcome you to come and listen to their views and get involved in the debate.

The debate will be held at Augustine House in Canterbury on Wednesday 19 ^th November 2014 between 1930 – 2130.

The members of the debating panel and chair are:

Chair

• Professor Janet Haddock-Fraser is Dean of the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences and Professor of Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility. Read Janet Haddock-Fraser’s full profile.

Panellists

• Ian Driver is a Green Party Councillor at Thanet District Council and a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Thanet South.
• Michael Hill is a Chartered Electrical Engineer and a director of a small engineering consultancy specialising in process automation of oil and gas rig equipment.
• Dr Nick Riley MBE is Director of Carboniferous Limited.
• David Smythe is Emeritus Professor of Geophysics in the University of Glasgow.
• Professor Paul Stevens is Distinguished Fellow at Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) in London.
• Julie Wassmer is a freelance writer, author and environmental campaigner.
• Gerwyn Llewellyn Williams C.Eng FIMMM MEI is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a Member of The Energy Institute.

You can find out more about our panellists by downloading our speaker bio pdf.

To book your FREE tickets to this event, please visit: http://shop.canterbury.ac.uk/