Last week, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released a report that claimed that the U.S could become the top oil and gas producer by 2020. This is due mostly to the past decade's increases in hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", used to release natural gas from shale rock underground. This is good news for investors in oil and gas, and has left some hopeful that it will translate into more jobs, lower prices at the pump and energy security.

But there's no doubt that bad news lurks on the horizon. There are real risks and inevitable effects of this short-lived surge in natural gas. Here's why the natural gas boom is not as promising as it sounds:

1. More natural gas won't mean energy independence. The IEA admits that despite being a top oil producer, the U.S. will still be dependent on exports from the Middle East to meet domestic demands, especially for emergency use during crises like oil spills. 

2. Natural gas production estimates are merely guesses. Last year, some companies raved that shale oil could provide 100 years' worth of supply. More recent analysis has shown that only 11 years' worth can be fully verified. The IEA's report includes the important overlooked fact that the peak in domestic production in 2020 likely won't last longer than 15 years.

3. Continued production requires big investment. Recent declines in production have pressured companies to constantly create new drills as they face increasing debt. Aren't there other energy sources we could be investing in that have longer returns?

4. More natural gas drilling means continuous threats to public lands! While most fracking is currently happening on private lands, there has been an increasing demand for use on public lands, especially in the eastern forests. These lands were set aside for all Americans, including future generations, as part of our national heritage. The rush for shale oil will leave these special places permanently damaged.

5. Natural gas costs more than it’s worth. In addition to the contribution to climate change and its many costly effects, fracking is also expensive when it comes to healthcare, the largest driver of our national deficit. Health providers are becoming more aware of related public health issues, which include patients' mental stress due to feeling helpless over the quality of their air and water, stress which in turn can lead to neighborly discord. Should we really sacrifice all of this for a supply of oil that may last a decade?

See also:

• Hydraulic fracturing perils: Does your state protect its citizens from fracking?
• Fracking dangers: 7 ugly reasons why wilderness lovers should be worried
• Promised Land starring Matt Damon highlights dangers of fracking