Intro to Bedrock Rights Global Action Against Fracking and Climate Change

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, has emerged as a contentious issue with profound implications for the environment, public health, and human rights. By disrupting geological formations to extract oil and gas, fracking contributes significantly to climate change, pollutes water sources, and infringes on the rights of frontline communities—often low-income, indigenous, or non-white populations. These communities bear the brunt of harmful health effects and environmental degradation. The recent actions of international tribunals have highlighted the urgent need for accountability, revealing how governments and corporations collude to prioritize profit over people and ecosystems. Understanding the global impact of fracking is essential to addressing the twin crises of climate and justice in a way that ensures a sustainable future for all.

What Will You Learn?

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the challenges associated with fracking and its intersection with climate change and human rights. By the end of this course, you will:

• Understand how fracking impacts the environment, including groundwater contamination and accelerated climate change.
• Explore the human rights violations associated with fracking, particularly in marginalized communities.
• Discover the role of international human rights courts in addressing environmental injustice.
• Learn about key findings and rulings from recent tribunals, including their call for global bans and systemic reforms.
• Gain the tools to critically evaluate the actions of governments and fossil fuel corporations in relation to fracking.

This knowledge will empower you to grasp the broader implications of fracking and engage in meaningful conversations about its future and the fight for environmental justice.

How to Approach This Course

Start with the course video, which unpacks the environmental, social, and legal dimensions of the global fight against fracking. Pay attention to the details of tribunal investigations and key examples, as these will be critical for answering questions in the quiz that follows.