Toxic Past, Radical Future

Synopsis

Beneath the Texas desert, toxic water from oil wells threatens local communities. The Permian Basin, the largest shale oil production area, generates three to five barrels of wastewater for every barrel of oil. This toxic byproduct, which can be five times saltier than ocean water, contributes to environmental issues, including earthquakes. As the climate crisis worsens, innovators propose geoengineering solutions, such as solar radiation management. The documentary questions whether these methods can address the damage caused by industrial emissions.