Wicked conundrums are often described as challenging problems that lack definite solutions due to incomplete, contradictory, and changing parameters.
Perhaps there exists no better example of a wicked conundrum than the debate over fracking. Knowledge of the impacts of fracking is fragmentary, at best, compounded by the secrecy with which energy companies maintain over the exact composition of fracking fluid. Additionally, the energy market in the United States is ever-changing, with decreasing dependence on coal and a shift towards cleaner natural gas. The United States’ large reserves of natural gas, obtainable through the use of fracking, is luring many into investing in fracking, but controversy and uncertainty lies even in the estimation of American reserve size. This uncertainty in environmental and economic impacts leads to confusion over a clear choice in policy-making. It does, however, lead to polarized viewpoints on the matter, which in itself complicates the situation. Fracking receives as much attention as it does because of the cloudy nature associated with most aspects of the fracking debate. It is clear that no fracking policy-option lacks cons and that Americans must weigh these cons with respect to their value judgment.
Perhaps there exists no better example of a wicked conundrum than the debate over fracking. Knowledge of the impacts of fracking is fragmentary, at best, compounded by the secrecy with which energy companies maintain over the exact composition of fracking fluid. Additionally, the energy market in the United States is ever-changing, with decreasing dependence on coal and a shift towards cleaner natural gas. The United States’ large reserves of natural gas, obtainable through the use of fracking, is luring many into investing in fracking, but controversy and uncertainty lies even in the estimation of American reserve size. This uncertainty in environmental and economic impacts leads to confusion over a clear choice in policy-making. It does, however, lead to polarized viewpoints on the matter, which in itself complicates the situation. Fracking receives as much attention as it does because of the cloudy nature associated with most aspects of the fracking debate. It is clear that no fracking policy-option lacks cons and that Americans must weigh these cons with respect to their value judgment.