EXPLAINED - Fracking.

fracking short for hydraulic fracturing is a method used to extract oil and natural gas from deep underground the process involves drilling a well into rock formations typically Shale and injecting a high-press mixture of water sand and chemicals into the Rock This creates small fractures in the Rock allowing trapped oil or gas to flow to the surface more easily fracking has significantly increased oil and gas production in the United States contributing to lower energy prices and greater energy Independence however it is also controversial due to environmental concerns the process requires large volumes of water and there are risks of groundwater contamination from the chemicals used additionally fracking has been linked to induced seismic activity or small earthquakes due to the injection of waste water back into the ground supporters argue that tracking is a crucial technology for meeting energy demands and boosting the economy while opponents point to its potential environmental and health risks as a result fracking remains a hotly debated Topic in the context of energy policy and environmental sustainability [Music]