Scientific method

The scientific method is an empirical method for acquiring knowledge that has characterized the development of science since at least the 17th century (with notable practitioners in previous centuries; see the article history of scientific method for additional detail.) It involves careful observation, applying rigorous skepticism about what is observed, given that cognitive assumptions can distort how one interprets the observation. It involves formulating hypotheses, via induction, based on such observations; the testability of hypotheses, experimental and the measurement-based statistical testing of deductions drawn from the hypotheses; and refinement (or elimination) of the hypotheses based on the experimental findings. These are principles of the scientific method, as distinguished from a definitive series of steps applicable to all scientific enterprises. Although procedures vary from one field of inquiry to another, the underlying process is frequently the same from one fiel

Assessment of Environmental Impacts Related to Shale Gas Extraction in the Polish Contex

Nicolas Füllemann

In the last decade, the exponential development of shale gas activities in United States resulted in a real revolution both in terms of gas prices and energy security. However, next to these positive effects, many risks and impacts for the environment and for human health related to shale gas activities have been identified. Risks of water and soil contamination or air pollution issues related to shale gas activities have been revealed in different recent scientific studies. During the last years, and because of the growing concern of local populations, shale gas became very debated in the media. In the scientific community as well, shale gas is a debated issue but in terms of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. This study is a scientific assessment of the environmental impacts related to shale gas extraction trying to synthesize information available from different scientific studies and providing potential mitigation measures. As Poland currently plays the most active role in European shale gas exploration, it has been chosen has the reference location in order to evaluate the different impacts. The results are that potential impacts on both human health and the environment can potentially be important but that an important lack of reliable information exists in order to fully assess most of the potential risks related to shale gas activities. Due to the high sensitivity of this issue among scientists, shale gas GHG emissions have been calculated in this study using a Monte Carlo simulation in order to define potential results based on variable parameters instead of using fixed values. The results show that shale gas GHG emissions could be 28% larger than coal over a 20 year timeframe and identical to coal over a 100 year timeframe. Mitigation measures can however reduce shale gas emission and most of the other impacts. The largest problem in order to currently asses and adequately reduce the risks related to shale gas activities is the current paucity of reliable information. An important uncertainty indeed exists in the evaluation of most of the risks. Many more scientific studies are therefore urgently needed in order to fully assess the potential impacts of shale gas activities and in order to ensure that the development of such activities will be done in Poland in the best possible conditions. In the meantime, the biggest risk would be to not accept our current ignorance and a precautionary approach should therefore be adopted.

2012

Assessment of Environmental Impacts Related to Shale Gas Extraction in the Polish Contex

Nicolas Füllemann

2012

Technology education and scientific research in Switzerland

Assessment of Environmental Impacts Related to Shale Gas Extraction in the Polish Contex

The scientific method from Popper's perspective

Assessment of Environmental Impacts Related to Shale Gas Extraction in the Polish Contex

The scientific method from Popper's perspective

Technology education and scientific research in Switzerland