February 2011: 20 000 people demonstrate in southern France against the shale gas licenses that have been issued in backroom deals, Meanwhile the European Parliament begins its first inquiry on the subject, From the outset, there is a split between the conservative representatives, swayed by the economic arguments in favor of fracking, and opponents invoking the precautionary principle. In areas affected by the permits, people are getting organized, building their knowledge, and taking action. Local mayors step up, issue local bylaws and relay information about the situation up to the national government. This grassroots movement makes it all the way to European-level institutions.

L’alerte est lancée dans le sud est de la France début 2011 : le gaz de schiste arrive dans nos villages, nos paysages, nos vies. Carnet de route d’une mobilisation citoyenne imprévue, le film témoigne des soubresauts d’une société prise au piège d’un modèle économique en crise.