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St. Paul, Minn.

Climate One: The pros and cons of fracking for oil and gas

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Natural gas well
In this April 23, 2010 photo, workers move a section of well casing into place at a Chesapeake Energy natural gas well site near Burlington, Pa., in Bradford County. Freeing natural gas from dense rock requires a powerful drilling process called hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," using millions of gallons of water brewed with toxic chemicals that some fear threaten to pollute water above and below ground, and perhaps endanger human health and the environment.
Ralph Wilson/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, has changed the energy landscape across America by making natural gas abundant and cheap. To some, it's a blessing. To others, it's a curse. Supporters say natural gas is a clean alternative to coal and bridge to a green energy future.

Opponents say it's poisoning our water and methane leaks from the wells actually make it a bigger climate polluter than coal.

Energy experts debate the issues in a Climate One program at the Commonwealth Club of California.