Great Lakes, Bad Lines (2016)

In the heart of the Great Lakes, where freshwater meets ancient forests, a silent battle unfolds—one that pits human ingenuity against corporate negligence. “Great Lakes, Bad Lines”, directed by Abby Martin, chronicles this environmental saga, revealing the high stakes and the resilience of those who fight for our planet’s most precious resource.

1. The Pipeline’s Legacy:
   • The documentary centers around Enbridge’s Line 5, a pipeline that snakes beneath the Great Lakes.
   • Intended to last 50 years, it has now surpassed 64.
   • The film takes us sailing across the Straits of Mackinac, the pipeline’s final leg, where the adventure begins.
2. A Toxic Trail:
   • The pipeline’s legacy is one of poisoned waters.
   • Between 1964 and 1992, Enbridge intentionally spilled 19 billion gallons of oil and toxic waste into the pristine ecosystem.
   • The Great Lakes, home to diverse species and vital to millions, suffered irreversible harm.
3. Legal Battles and Indigenous Resilience:
   • Indigenous communities, led by Pablo Fajardo, took on the corporate giant.
   • The 25-year legal battle sought justice for the affected.
   • In 2011, an Ecuadorian court ordered Chevron (which acquired Texaco, the original polluter) to pay $9.5 billion in damages.
   • Yet, Chevron evaded accountability, leaving communities to bear the burden.
4. Corporate Tactics and Global Impact:
   • Chevron’s playbook included legal maneuvers and PR campaigns.
   • The film exposes these tactics, revealing the company’s disregard for human rights and the environment.
   • The Great Lakes are not isolated; their fate echoes across the globe.
5. A Call to Action:
   • Great Lakes, Bad Lines serves as a rallying cry.
   • It urges us to recognize our power as consumers, investors, and advocates.
   • The battle continues—indigenous communities persist, demanding justice.
6. Legacy and Responsibility:
   • The Great Lakes are more than water; they’re a lifeline.
   • As we grapple with climate crises, we must safeguard these freshwater treasures.
   • The film reminds us that our choices shape the world we leave behind.

In the quiet depths of the Great Lakes, a fierce struggle unfolds—one that transcends borders and speaks to our shared humanity. Let us heed the call to protect these vital waters.