Revista de la mañana. Entrevista con Alvaro Pardo. Suspensión Fracking en Colombia

Abstract

Interview with Álvaro Pardo, an economist specializing in mining and energy law and constitutional law, to analyze the State Council's decision to maintain the suspension of the regulatory framework that would allow the implementation of fracking in Colombia. During the conversation, Pardo describes the measure as a prudent decision in accordance with the precautionary principle, arguing that the Colombian State still lacks its own independent studies to determine with certainty the environmental, social, and economic impacts of this hydrocarbon extraction technique. The interviewee points out that the discussion should not be limited to the need to increase oil and gas reserves, but should include a rigorous evaluation of the risks associated with fracking, including the contamination of surface and groundwater, the emission of greenhouse gases, the management of toxic waste, and the effects on ecosystems and communities. He also mentions international studies, particularly from the United States, that demonstrate high environmental costs and raise questions about the economic viability of this activity. Pardo also addresses the need to move towards a gradual energy transition, based on strengthening clean and renewable energy sources, without immediately abandoning the exploitation of conventional hydrocarbons. In this regard, he criticizes positions that present fracking as the only alternative to guarantee the country's energy security. Finally, he explains the legal process underway in the Council of State, indicating that the suspension is temporary while new studies and technical evaluations are carried out. He also highlights the role of social and environmental organizations in the public debate on the extractive model and citizen participation in decisions related to natural resources.