It's not unexpected that shooting massive amounts of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure into the earth to shatter shale and release natural gas might shake things up. But earthquakes aren't the worst problem with fracking.

The quote by David Suzuki highlights the environmental impact of fracking (hydraulic fracturing), a controversial method of extracting natural gas from deep underground. The process involves injecting large volumes of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure into shale rock formations. This fractures the rock and allows the gas to be released. Suzuki points out that the earthquakes caused by this practice are not the most concerning issue, but rather serve as a symptom of deeper environmental concerns.

The phrase "shaking things up" is both literal and figurative. Fracking can induce earthquakes due to the pressure changes it creates within the Earth's crust. While these tremors have drawn significant attention, the quote suggests that other problems, such as groundwater contamination or the release of methane, are more dangerous and long-lasting. These issues pose significant risks to both human health and the environment.

The quote reflects Suzuki's ongoing advocacy for environmental sustainability and caution when it comes to exploitative practices like fracking. His work focuses on raising awareness about the long-term consequences of exploiting natural resources without fully understanding the impacts on ecosystems. The message challenges the idea that the benefits of extracting natural gas outweigh the ecological cost.

In essence, Suzuki urges a broader perspective, emphasizing that fracking's most dangerous consequences might not always be the most obvious, like earthquakes, but the subtle, pervasive effects on water quality, air pollution, and overall biodiversity.