Fracking and Unconventional Oil and Gas Extraction

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a method used to extract oil and natural gas from deep underground rock formations, particularly shale. It involves injecting high-pressure fluids to create fractures in the rock, allowing trapped resources to flow more freely. This technique has significantly increased the production of unconventional oil and gas, which are sources that were previously difficult to access. Since the early 2000s, fracking has transformed the energy landscape, boosting energy independence in some countries but also raising environmental concerns, such as water contamination and increased seismic activity.