Watch Groundswell Rising

Groundswell Rising is a powerful and informative documentary film that explores the fracking boom and the community-driven resistance to the extraction of natural gas. Released in 2015, the documentary captures the stories of ordinary people from across the United States who are fighting against the fracking industry and advocating for a more sustainable future.

The film opens with an introduction to fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, which is a process of drilling deep into the earth to extract natural gas. The filmmakers explain how the use of toxic chemicals and high-pressure water can release gas from rock formations, but at the same time can pollute underground water sources and increase the risk of earthquakes. The film highlights how the United States is experiencing a massive boom in fracking, with the natural gas industry driving the economy of many regions across the country.

However, Groundswell Rising reveals how fracking's environmental and health risks have set off a nationwide movement of citizens who are fighting back against this extraction method. The film interviews people who have experienced firsthand the negative effects of fracking, from rural farmers whose livestock has died from contaminated water, to suburban families who have seen their property values plummet, to Native American tribes who have had their sacred land destroyed.

The documentary then proceeds to show how these individual stories led to a groundswell of opposition to fracking in many parts of the country. In Pennsylvania, we see how groups of people from diverse backgrounds organize protests and speak out against the drilling happening in their communities. The film also visits Colorado, where environmental groups and concerned citizens have banded together to protect their water sources and advocate for a clean energy future.

As the film unfolds, Groundswell Rising reveals a pattern of concealment and misinformation within the fracking industry. Several experts, including geologists and environmental scientists, share their knowledge on how the industry is not forthcoming with information about the toxic chemicals used in fracking, the damage to ecosystems, and the health risks to humans and animals.

Throughout the documentary, the stories of people impacted by fracking are interwoven with the efforts of various organizations and activists who are fighting tirelessly for a sustainable future. These include the Sierra Club, which is working to expose the dangers of fracking, and Gasland director Josh Fox, who is using his influence and voice to galvanize support nationwide.

Towards the end of the film, the focus shifts to inspiring success stories about communities that have succeeded in blocking fracking operations. Viewers are treated to a positive impact that can be made when people come together to create change. The film shows how citizens in New York state organized, lobbied, and eventually convinced their government to institute a policy of no-fracking in 2014, ending the controversy in the state.

As the end credits roll, the film encourages viewers to take action in their own communities. It is a call-to-action urging for people to come together, organize, and fight for their rights and the planet.

In conclusion, Groundswell Rising is an informative and compelling documentary that provides a comprehensive look into the fracking industry and those communities fighting against it. It's an essential watch for anyone seeking knowledge about the effects of fracking and it inspires grassroots activism among viewers. The film shines a light on both the devastating impact of the natural gas industry and the hope and resilience of ordinary people fighting for a better future.

Groundswell Rising is a documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes.