Disclosed herein is a fracturing fluid comprising a carrier fluid; a polymer that is soluble in the carrier fluid; the polymer being a synthetic polymer, wherein the synthetic polymer comprises a labile group that is operative to facilitate decomposition of the synthetic polymer upon activation of the labile group; the polymer being crosslinked, the fracturing fluid having a viscosity of about 200 to about 3000 centipoise at 100 s−1; and an oxidizing agent. A method for treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is also disclosed herein.