Watch Blue Gold: World Water Wars

Blue Gold: World Water Wars is a documentary film from PBS, first aired in 2008. The film, directed by Sam Bozzo, aims to bring to light the increasing concerns over the world's water crisis. The film introduces us to a number of experts and activists who are at the forefront of efforts to combat the water crisis. Jim Olson, a water rights lawyer from Michigan, is one of the key figures in the film. Olson has spent the better part of his career fighting to preserve Michigan's Great Lakes, and here he talks about the dangers of privatizing water rights.

Tony Clarke, director of the Polaris Institute, is another expert featured in the film. Clarke has spent years studying the impact of globalization on water resources and is a leading voice in the struggle against corporate control of water.

Maude Barlow of the Council of Canadians is also interviewed in the film. Barlow argues that the water crisis is not just an environmental issue, but a social justice issue as well. She claims that water should be considered a human right and not a commodity to be bought and sold on the open market.

Throughout the documentary, we get a sense of the scope of the water crisis. From drought-stricken regions in Africa to the dwindling reserves of the Great Lakes, the film paints a grim picture of the future of water resources.

The film also explores the role of corporations in the water crisis. Multinational companies like Bechtel and Suez are shown to be aggressively pursuing contracts to control water resources in developing countries. We see how these companies use their political and economic clout to undermine public control of water and to extract profits from vulnerable communities.

Blue Gold: World Water Wars also examines the impact of climate change on water resources. The film highlights the connection between rising temperatures and severe droughts around the world. We see how climate change exacerbates existing water scarcity, leading to devastating consequences for communities that rely on water for their survival.

Despite the grim picture painted by the film, Blue Gold: World Water Wars ends on a hopeful note. The film highlights successful grassroots efforts to reclaim public control of water resources, from Bolivia to Canada. We see how activists are using creative protest tactics and community organizing to challenge corporate power and defend the right to water.

Overall, Blue Gold: World Water Wars is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that shines a light on one of the most pressing issues of our time. Through its interviews with experts and on-the-ground reporting, the film provides a comprehensive look at the water crisis and the forces driving it. The film raises critical questions about the role of corporations in our society and the importance of defending the common good in the face of mounting threats.