Dutch public opinion is largely opposed to the government-proposed scheme for shale gas drilling. Water companies, a total of 55 university professors, and administrations of 9 provinces and well over 200 municipalities have expressed disapproval (through ‘shale gas free’ declarations). This oppostion made national politicians and parties reconsider and for now at least postpone the drilling plans.

But the Dutch dash for shale gas does not end there. One of the world’s major players in the global shale boom is in fact a Dutch company, with headquarters in The Hague: Royal Dutch Shell – an oil company with a poor environmental reputation due to massive oil spills in the Niger Delta and plans for Arctic oil drilling.

Now Shell wants to frack for shale gas on a massive scale in the Karoo in South Africa, a dry and vulnerable semi-desert, where farmers and nature have to share precious water resources. Fracking requires enormous amounts of water and may pollute its sources with the many chemicals used in the process. Shells fracking plans have caused a stir in the South African society. Farmers, farm-workers and conservationists are deeply concerned, while others feel tempted by the promise of employment, and money.

After the screening, we will have the opportunity to discuss with the South African filmmaker Jolynn Minnaar, who will be present at the event.

Please all those interested in ­ attending the screening and debate, register through sending an email to schaliegas@milieudefensie.nl

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