Ep 19. Crude Reality & Between Oil and Water

In the 19th episode of season 5 of Vice, titled "Crude Reality & Between Oil and Water", the team takes a closer look at the oil industry's impact on the environment.

The first segment, "Crude Reality", explores the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Correspondent Arielle Duhaime-Ross speaks with locals who were affected by the disaster, as well as scientists studying the long-term effects on the ecosystem. The episode also examines the role of regulations and safety measures, and whether they are sufficient to prevent another catastrophic spill.

The second segment, "Between Oil and Water", focuses on the contentious issue of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Correspondent Isobel Yeung travels to North Dakota, where fracking has transformed the economy but also raised concerns about water contamination and other environmental risks. Yeung speaks with residents, activists, and industry representatives to get a sense of the ongoing debate.

Throughout the episode, Vice sheds light on the complexities of the oil industry and the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. By presenting multiple perspectives and exploring both the human and ecological impacts of oil production, the show encourages viewers to think critically about the issue and consider possible solutions.