PROMPT: Ecosystems rarely exist without some amount of human influence. The first discussion of this week focuses on an ecosystem in the United States and the people who do business there. Watch the series of videos provided to learn more about the Marcellus Shale fracking project.
While you are viewing these videos, consider the following questions:
What is this project? Who are the stakeholders? What are the boundaries of the ecosystem? Which parts of the ecosystem are affected by the project?
What factors would be included in the cost-benefit analysis for this project?
When you have viewed all of the footage and considered these introductory questions, answer the questions below in your forum post:
Imagine that you have the final word in making or breaking this project.
Would you allow the project to continue? How would you balance the potential damage to the ecosystem with the economic gain?
Do the benefits of fracking outweigh the damage to ecosystems?
In making up your mind, think about what arguments could be offered in support of and against the Marcellus Shale project. Be sure to address the important environmental economic perspectives outlined in Chapter 3 and avoid any politically-charged statements. The point of this assignment is to attempt to make an educated proposal based on the facts as you see them.
