welcome to worldview now in today's video we're delving into a highly controversial topic fracking known formally as hydraulic fracturing this method of extracting oil and natural gas has sparked intense debate across the globe while it promises economic benefits and energy Independence it also raises significant environmental and health concerns so what exactly is fracking and why does it stir such strong opinions let's find out fracking or hydraulic fracturing is a technique used to extract oil and natural gas from deep underground the process involves drilling a well vertically down to a layer of shale rock then turning the drill horizontally to bore through the rock layer a mixture of water sand and chemicals is injected at high pressure this creates fractures in the shale rock allowing oil and gas to flow out and be collected technological advances in the 2000s made it economically viable on a large scale one of the main arguments in favor of fracking is its economic impact in many regions especially in the United States fracking has led to a boom in oil and natural gas production this surge in energy production has helped reduce Reliance on foreign oil contributed to lower energy prices and created jobs in local communities in fact the US has become one of the world's leading producers of natural gas thanks to fracking proponents argue that this energy abundance strengthens National Security and provides a buffer against Global energy Market fluctuations segment three environmental and health concerns fracking benefits come with significant environmental and health concerns groundwater contamination is a pressing issue toxic chemicals and fracking fluid can leak Into Water Supplies this has led to polluted drinking water in nearby communities air pollution is another major concern fracking releases methane a potent greenhouse gas methane leaks contribute to climate change health effects on local communities include respiratory problems and headaches a segment four regulations and public opinion the controversy surrounding fracking has led to a patchwork of regulations across different countries and states in some places fracking is heavily regulated to protect the environment and Public Health in others it's banned outright due to the risks involved public opinion on fracking is deeply divided supporters argue that the economic benefits outweigh the risks opponents believe the environmental impacts are too severe and advocate for renewable energy segment five the future of frack as the world moves towards a Greener future fracking's role is increasingly under scrutiny natural gas is a bridge fuel but fracking's environmental costs could limit its future experts see the future in Renewables like wind solar and hydropower until Renewables meet Global demands fracking may still play a controversial role conclusion fracking is a complex issue with no easy answers it's a technology that has transformed the energy industry but at a significant cost to the environment the challenge is balancing our energy needs and protecting our planet thank you for watching worldview now please consider subscribing for more in-depth Explorations don't forget to like and share your thoughts in the comments