When conducted properly, fracking (a method used in unconventional energy extraction) can present certain environmental advantages when compared to other types of fossil fuels.
Potential Environmental Advantages of Fracking
According to information regarding unconventional energy generation, when these operations are performed effectively ("done well"), they have the capacity to offer specific environmental benefits:
- Reduced Air Pollution: Unconventional energy extraction, when managed correctly, can potentially reduce air pollution compared with other fossil fuels. This suggests that the emissions associated with the energy source obtained via fracking might be lower than those from certain other conventional fossil fuels.
- Reduced Water Use: Another potential benefit is that, when done well, the process can even reduce water use compared with other fossil fuels. This implies that the overall water footprint for energy generation from sources accessed through fracking could be less than that of alternative fossil fuels.
It is crucial to understand that these potential environmental benefits are contingent upon the fracking process being executed correctly and responsibly, as highlighted in the reference. Conversely, if not performed to high standards ("done poorly"), the same source indicates the risk of releasing toxic chemicals into both water and air, potentially causing significant environmental harm.