Frack me, energy hits Google top ten

Fracking is the fourth most searched word in Google’s search terms for 2014. And it’s no wonder, as fracking has been a hot topic in the energy sector this year. […]

Fracking is the fourth most searched word in Google’s search terms for 2014. And it’s no wonder, as fracking has been a hot topic in the energy sector this year.

The term is intriguing enough and throughout the year anti-frackers grabbed headlines with protests around the UK. This may well have sparked the Google search to find out what it all meant.

Fracking is drilling into the earth and pumping a mix of water, sand and chemicals into shale rock, to split open the rock so trapped gas and oil can flow out freely. It is seen as controversial because of fears about potential environmental impacts such as groundwater contamination.

One protest in August saw three campaigners super glue themselves to the entrance of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) building in London. Another anti-fracking march in Swansea caused traffic congestion on a major road.

The government is seen to be keen to explore shale gas in the UK but many environmentalists bitterly opposed the idea.

With all the fighting and disruption, could this be the reason why Google’s third most searched phrase is ‘What is love?’

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