Last week U.S. intelligence agencies released a report on water, concluding that drought, floods, and lack of fresh water may cause global instability and conflict this century. Water shortages have hit the state of Texas hard. Last year the state received 15 inches of rainfall, much lower than the average of 27.64 inches, making it the driest year the state has experienced since 1917.
Already this year Spicewood Beach became the first Texas town to run out of water. The community has been forced to truck in 7,000 gallons of water each day, at a daily cost of $1,000. Another seventeen communities are in critical danger of running out of water within six months or less. And water usage is already restricted in 1,000 cities and towns. Some fear that these water shortages will lead to tensions. For example rice farmers, who draw water from the same reservoir as Spicewood Beach residents, have been denied water access this year, for the first time in history.
Participant Media hopes to raise awareness and inspire action on these issues through a documentary called Last Call at the Oasis. Released on May 4, Last Call highlights the global water crisis, defects in the current system, and revolutionary solutions.
Musicians - including HeadCount artist partners Dave Matthews, My Morning Jacket, Blind Pilot, Gomez, and Primus - have leant their star power to the cause by donating tracks to the film’s soundtrack. Adding a unique, grassroots action element to the film's release, proceeds from the album go to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Waterkeeper Alliance, Environmental Working Group, and Food and Water Watch. You can also support the cause by adding your name to the Water Bill of Rights. And get this... you can have the album for any price. Just visit The Last Call at the Oasis website and pay any amount you'd like.
Founded in 2004 by Jeffrey Skoll, the “second employee” of eBay, Participant Media has produced other films such as An Inconvenient Truth, Waiting for Superman, and Food, Inc.
Have you seen Last Call at the Oasis or listened to the soundtrack? If so then what did you think? Leave a comment on the post!