Ep 5. Fracking Hell

Underworld, Inc. season 2 episode 5, Fracking Hell, takes viewers on a deep dive into the world of fracking – the controversial and highly lucrative industry that extracts natural gas from deep within the earth. Viewers are given an up-close and personal look at the powerful interests behind the industry, as well as the devastating impact it's having on the environment and communities across North America.

Throughout the course of the episode, the show's host and investigative journalist, Nelufar Hedayat, uncovers the complex and often secretive business of fracking – from the multi-million dollar contracts between drilling companies and landowners, to the underground network of pipelines and storage facilities that transport gas to market.

Weaving together interviews with industry insiders, environmental activists, and ordinary people whose lives have been upended by fracking, Hedayat paints a vivid and disturbing picture of an industry that is frequently operating outside the law and putting profits ahead of people.

One of the key themes of the episode is the severe health risks associated with fracking. Hedayat travels to Pennsylvania, where she meets with families who are suffering from a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, cancers, and neurological disorders. She investigates the potential link between these illnesses and the toxic chemicals that are used in the fracking process, which can leach into the groundwater and contaminate the air.

Hedayat also explores the environmental impacts of fracking, which include air pollution, water depletion, and the release of greenhouse gases. She visits a community in Wyoming where the ground has begun to bulge and crack due to the millions of gallons of wastewater that are pumped back into the earth after drilling. She also speaks with ranchers in Texas who have seen their livestock fall sick and die after exposure to contaminated water sources.

Despite these alarming realities, the fracking industry continues to grow at a rapid pace, thanks in large part to the powerful political and economic forces behind it. Hedayat delves into the web of connections and influence that allow companies to operate with impunity, and the tactics they use to silence or discredit their critics.

Overall, Fracking Hell is a gripping and eye-opening exploration of one of the most significant and controversial industries of our time. It sheds light on the hidden risks and costs of fossil fuel extraction, and raises urgent questions about the future of energy and the health of our planet.