Energy Landscapes: Geology, Ethics, and Fracking in the US and UK

Roger Bryant, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago, studied Earth and Planetary Sciences in the UK and US throughout his academic career. Initially focused on climate policy, his interests shifted to geological sciences. Roger contrasts energy profiles in the U.S. and the UK, highlighting Scotland's reliance on renewable energy due to its topography, while briefly as a child in Oklahoma, he was struck by the prevalence of oil wells. He voices concerns over fracking in the American Midwest, emphasizing its risks, including earthquakes and lack of accountability. Roger also discusses the ethical tensions geologists face between lucrative energy careers and environmental impact, and he touches on the geopolitics of rare mineral extraction for solar energy. Lastly, he reflects on the Anthropocene, noting that while geochemical changes are significant, major events like extinctions typically define geological epochs.