Lots of people the world over believe that fracking is banned in Germany. This view is shared by climate and environmental activists and promoted as a positive example. But unfortunately it is not quite true. Although Germany likes to be seen by the international community as a model of green and climate-friendly behaviour, it does in fact explicitly permit fracking in some cases. Furthermore, there is a risk that the restrictions that do exist could be eased or even lifted completely as early as next year. Andy Gheorghiu, an independent campaigner and consultant for climate and environmental protection, explains. In June 2016, following lengthy negotiations and considerable resistance from the public, the German parliament – the Bundestag – agreed a “fracking package” of three laws and three ordinances designed to regulate fracking in Germany and in particular to protect drinking water and groundwater. The then Federal Environment Minister, Barbara Hendricks, even celebrated the agreement of the two main parties, the SPD and CDU, as a “permanent ban on ‘unconventional’ fracking”. So the question here is: … Continue reading Fracking in Germany: truly banned, allowed a little or even soon back in vogue?