Unconventional oil refers to oil resources that are extracted using methods different from traditional drilling. This includes sources like tar sands, oil shale, and tight oil, which require advanced technologies such as hydraulic fracturing or horizontal drilling to access. These methods often involve more complex processes and can have a greater environmental impact compared to conventional oil extraction. The rise of unconventional oil has significantly changed the global energy landscape, particularly in countries like the United States and Canada. As these resources become more economically viable, they contribute to energy independence and can influence global oil prices, but they also raise concerns about sustainability and environmental risks.