Lecture on coal seam gas: alternative energy source or environmental hazard?

Rapid development of the coal seam gas industry in Queensland’s Bowen and Surat Basins has led to widespread community concern about the effects of gas extraction.

Better understanding of the groundwater and surface water impacts of coal seam gas production is essential, according to Professor Sue Golding from the University of Queensland, an international expert on coal seam gas and carbon sequestration in sedimentary basins.

In an Australian Academy of Science public lecture entitled ‘Coal seam gas: alternative energy source or environmental hazard’, Professor Golding will explore the place of coal seam gas in the energy mix and the key issues and knowledge gaps in our understanding of the environmental impacts of coal seam gas extraction.

The lecture is part of the academy’s 2012 public lecture series on ‘Caring for the Australian countryside: lessons from the past and present’. The series examines sustainable communities, mining, agriculture, culture and environment in country Australia.

The lecture will be held on 3 July at 6 pm, at The Shine Dome in Canberra. It will be web streamed live at www.science.org.au/livestream/.