Delta Five Protestors and Kayaktivists (04:22)

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Activists erect a tripod on a rail spur, blocking trains to a refinery. Kayaktivists block Shell’s oil rig, Polar Pioneer, from leaving Elliot Bay. These climate change activists endanger their lives and face arrest for acts of civil disobedience.

Student Activists (02:48)

After Washington’s Department of Ecology denied their petition, Aji and 21 other plaintiffs sued to create the Clean Air Rule. The judge set a precedent by ruling in their favor, but politicians delayed any action.

Michael Foster (02:18)

Foster goes to court for tampering with the Keystone Pipeline valve, stopping the flow of nearly 600,000 barrels of tar sands. He performed the act on camera, knowing he would be arrested. Foster was surprised to initially face 81 years in jail.

Climate Marchers (02:02)

Marchers begin their walk from Los Angeles to Washington D.C., protesting fracking. A massive rainstorm discourages some, but more determined to continue.

Delta Five Protestors (04:42)

Abby and her husband Roger discuss Abby's willingness to go to jail. The Delta Five Protestors receive support from their church before going to court.

Protestors at Home (05:06)

Kayaktivist Bill relays how his upbringing has contributed to his sense of justice; his family discusses his activism. Aji and his brother Adonis write protest songs; they feel music is more likely to be remembered than speeches.

Challenging Civilization Standards (03:15)

Foster speaks to a seventh grade class about shutting down five tar sands pipelines crossing the United States and Canadian border. He discusses the perception that those passionate about mitigating climate change are insane.

Focusing on Solutions (04:09)

Climate marchers transition from urban to rural areas, walking through the desert; they reach Colorado. Mack and Sean encourage one another, explaining how they believe it was time to act.

Stopping the Fennica (04:36)

Bill and his wife Esther discuss falling in love and activism. Bill, other kayaktivists, and protestors descend on the ice breaker for Shell’s Artic oil rig. Authorities attempt to arrest them and capsize boats but meet with resistance.

Court Testimonies: Delta Five Protestors (07:01)

Dr. James and Abigail Brockway give testimony, describing events leading to their activism. Brockway becomes anxious, requiring a recess to focus on her answers.

Activism and Relationships (03:58)

Foster and his ex-wife discuss his activism. He became obsessed with climate science and protesting, spending little time with her and their children. Foster's activism was the catalyst for their divorce.

Washington State Superior Court (03:37)

Aji, other student activists, and their lawyer Andrea Rodgers discuss their progress. In court, they argue that the corporate and government destruction of environments by funding and supporting energy and transportation systems that create air pollution has violated their fundamental rights.

Support in New York (06:18)

Climate marchers reach New York City where they join The People’s Climate March. Journalist Mark Hertsgaard explains how Big Oil has run the United States since the 1920s, and how 20 million protestors influenced environmental legislation in the 1970s.

Abigail Brockway (03:41)

Brockway and her family discuss her testimony and panic attack during court proceedings; they won the case, but she regrets becoming emotional.

Court Rulings: Foster (02:33)

The courts find Foster guilty of criminal conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, guilty of criminal mischief, and not guilty of reckless endangerment. The prosecution requests Foster be taken into custody before sentencing but is denied.

Student Activism: Family Stress (03:23)

Aji informs his mother that his brother has returned home after going missing. She returns immediately, explaining that she is emotional about his absence due to Aji receiving death threats and a rise in racism.

Targeting Wall Street (04:02)

Flood Wall Street protestors block New York City streets, forcing police to section off the roads. They attempt to enter the Stock Exchange building, but are pepper sprayed; officers use intimidation tactics and begin making arrests.

Activism and Personal Impacts (02:15)

Kayaktivist Bill and his daughter discuss how his activism has impacted his parenting. Bill hopes she will remember that he tried to do the right things. They talk about the success in blocking Shell’s Artic oil rig ice breaker.

Foster's Sentencing (07:10)

Foster reflects on the stress activism has put on his friendships and family. He ponders how destroying the planet’s lifeforms is legal while attempting to save them is not. The next morning, the judge sentences him to three years at the North Dakota Department of Corrections.

Activism and Closing Statements (07:40)

Dedicating his life to fighting climate change, Aji protests Starbuck’s pollution in Seattle and refinery railways in Anacortes. Brockway’s defense attorney gives final remarks, insisting that none of the Delta Five protestors should be jailed. Bill’s daughter describes his energy, passion, and optimism.

Climate Activists Reach D.C. (05:52)

Climate marchers reach Washington D.C., marching 3,000 miles in eight months. They share perspectives on how the trek has changed them and impacted others. Mack and Sean protest the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and get arrested.

Court Decision: Delta Five Protestors (02:14)

Judge Anthony E. Howard finds the Delta Five necessary to society. The jury finds Brockway not guilty of obstructing trains, but guilty of trespass; she is sentenced to 90 days in jail, with 89 suspended.

Student Activists: Mental Health (03:41)

Aji feels overwhelmed by his purpose; he suffers from insomnia, depression and intense frustration. Aji remains intent on mitigating climate change disaster.

Court Decision and Activism (02:58)

Brockway and her family discuss her sentence and discuss why it would be advantageous for the case to go to a higher court. Kayaktivists protest an oil refinery. Bill laments that corporations have rights, but individuals do not, blaming the oligarchical system that puts profits over people.

Credits: The Race to Save the World (00:50)

Credits: The Race to Save the World