Laura Turner Seydel, daughter of the renowned media mogul and environmental advocate Ted Turner, is championing a hands-on approach to environmental stewardship, a principle instilled in her since childhood. Seydel’s father, who passed away in May 2026, is remembered not only for his considerable business accomplishments but also for his dedication to the planet. This commitment to protecting the Earth is vividly encapsulated in Seydel’s latest project, the documentary “Groundswell”.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/ted-turner-daugter149-000-72cdf73102414e04959ea91b0a72c503.jpg)
Reflecting on her upbringing, Seydel recalls how fundamental lessons about environmental responsibility came from simple acts, such as picking up litter. “Every trip, we would be out picking up trash with him,” she recollects, noting that whether they were on the streets of Atlanta or exploring locations like Machu Picchu, her father made it a point to lead by example. He consistently emphasised the importance of individual action, teaching his children and grandchildren that they could contribute positively to the world, regardless of their circumstances.
Seydel has taken these lessons to heart, focusing her own efforts on regenerative agriculture, a key theme of “Groundswell”. This documentary, which Seydel executive produced, is narrated by notable figures Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson. It premiered during Climate Week NYC earlier this month and has been well received, having won the Golden Globes Prize for Documentary at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in May.
“Groundswell” is the third instalment in a trilogy that started with the 2020 film “Kiss the Ground”, followed by “Common Ground” in 2023. The documentary explores inspiring global initiatives, showcasing farmers, ranchers, and scientists across five continents who are implementing regenerative practices to restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and mitigate climate change by drawing carbon back from the atmosphere.
Rebecca Tickell, the film’s director, expressed that the documentary’s aim differs from the often fear-driven narratives surrounding climate discussions. “We’ve been talking about climate now for decades,” she noted, emphasising the necessity of fostering solutions rather than merely voicing concerns.
Seydel’s commitment to these principles is rooted in her family’s extensive involvement in agriculture. Operating a network of ranches across six states, they integrate bison into their ecosystem restoration efforts. Ted Turner initiated this commitment to bison to counteract the species’ decline and to preserve the integrity of various ecosystems, focusing on enhancing biodiversity and water cycling processes.
The filmmakers, alongside Seydel, are looking to galvanise support for these sustainable practices. During the recent Climate Week NYC, they announced a significant expansion of the One Billion Acres campaign, which seeks to transition over 66 million acres to regenerative agriculture techniques. This initiative represents an increase from 265 million acres to approximately 331 million acres globally—a step towards mobilising substantial land for environmental regeneration.
Seydel emphasises the personal significance of continuing her father’s legacy. She recalls the memorable family trips where conservation education was woven into their experiences with nature, highlighting her father’s desire for quality family time intertwined with learning. “He was always passionate about working with youth and elevating their voices,” she stated, reinforcing his commitment to engaging future generations.
In discussing her father, Seydel often reflects on the lessons he imparted. She expresses a feeling of duty to honor his legacy, stating, “I really wanna make you proud, and I really need your help to know what to do, what to say, and how to best use my time.” Her passion resonates in her mission to protect the planet for the generations to come, driven by the belief that restoring global ecosystems is paramount.
“I just know in my heart of hearts that regenerating a Garden of Eden globally to save this beautiful, diverse earth for our children and their children is absolutely my number-one calling,” she concluded passionately.
Currently, “Groundswell” is available for streaming on Prime Video. The film will also feature a special screening in New York City on September 23, during the ongoing Climate Week NYC festivities. With her father’s legacy as a guiding force, Seydel continues to inspire a movement towards a healthier planet for all.