Dinosaur wind contained a high proportion of methane gas - powerful enough to damage the ozone layer, said the China Youth Daily quoting a French scientist.

BBC: Ill wind 'killed dinosaurs'

But critics of shale gas point to environmental concerns such as high water use and possible water contamination, the release of methane and, to a lesser extent, earth tremors caused by drilling.

BBC: US oil production 'to jump by a quarter by 2014'