The Erie Situation (2021)
As climate, politics and agricultural interests collide, the health of Lake Erie - and that of its local population and wildlife - hang in the balance
The Erie Situation (2021)
Directed by David Ruck, 72 mins
European Premiere
In 2014, the citizens of Toledo, Ohio, had to go without running water for three days when a bloom of toxic algae entered the drinking water plant from Lake Erie. This should have been a wake-up call for politicians, big agriculture, and citizens everywhere that freshwater resources are at risk of becoming toxic worldwide.
The Erie Situation explores the confluence of science, public sentiment, politics, and the powerful farming lobby as Ohio wrestles with how to confront the drivers of toxic algae. What's at stake? Who's at risk? And will volunteer measures be enough to confront this growing crisis, both in Ohio and further afield?
The session was moderated by Lucy McDowell, Senior Public Participation Manager, Wellcome Trust, in conversation with the producer Julie Andersen and Drs David Kennedy and Steven Haller from the University of Toledo.
Highlights from the discussion are below.
Global Health Film members can access the full 41-minute discussion and our The Erie Situation resource pack of additional reading in the members' area of the website.
