Do you feel tired of watching shows on TV just to pass the time and are looking for something more meaningful?
Environmental issues have proven themselves to be an increasingly popular subject in television and film. In hopes of waking up the environmentalist in you, we’ve made a list of some must-watch environmental documentaries.
1. Seaspiracy
This is a 90-minute documentary by Netflix that explores the practices of the commercial fishing industry and the effects it has on the oceans.
Sea creatures are captured to be displayed at marine parks, while some are sought after for their meat for human consumption. This movie investigates deeper into the chain of destruction that affects our oceans, including the mass killing of dolphins and overfishing for tuna.
2. The 11th Hour
The 11th Hour looks at the ways we have impacted the planet through species extinction, deforestation, global warming, and the depletion of the oceans’ habitats.
The documentary features actor and environmentalist, Leonardo DiCaprio, physicist Stephen Hawking, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and many other scientists, politicians, and environmental activists.
3. 2040
If you’re looking for something a bit more optimistic to watch, Damon Gameau imagines our life in 2040, if inventions, innovations, and regenerative processes to control climate change are widely implemented.
This documentary focuses on scientific, political, and economic practices and solutions, such as regenerative farming and energy subsidies. 2040 changes the hopeless and pessimistic narrative of the future of our planet.
4. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet
This list wouldn’t be complete without a Sir David Attenborough appearance. In this documentary, the famous natural historian reflects on the vast professional life he spent investigating countless places on Earth.
He takes us to different places around the world – from Africa to Ukraine – to show us how people have caused the destruction of our planet. He shares not only his experiences but also his fears for the future of our planet if humans continue to ignore vital environmental issues.
5. 8 Billion Angels
This documentary explores the effects that humans have on the planet. Humans are impacting rivers, land, oceans, and the air, while accelerating climate change.
Producer Terry Spahr and Director Victor Velle are startling emotion and breathtaking cinematography to take the viewer on an emotional and immersive journey into the lives of fishermen, farmers, and others, as they witness an unfolding global crisis.
6. There’s Something in the Water
Directors Ian Daniel and Ellen Page present a compelling story that addresses the issue relating to the waters in Nova Scotia, Canada.
There is a toxic landfill in Shelburne that’s connected to increased rates of cancer in the population. In Stewiacke, there’s a big energy company that wants to create brine storage near the river Shubenacadie which is a threat to the sea creatures living there, while a paper mill in Pictou Landing releases toxic waste into the local harbor.
This documentary shows how these issues are severely affecting poor and black communities and their access to clean water. This documentary is an influential tool for the activists trying to have their voices heard and protect waters in Canada from toxic waste.
7. Kiss the Ground
Kiss the Ground is a documentary that features politicians, activists, scientists, and farmers, as they delve into the concept of regenerative agriculture and share thoughts on how to manage the land more responsibly. According to them, this can be done by prioritizing animal and plant diversity, reducing tiling, and limiting the use of nitrogen fertilizers.
This movie is hopeful that we can do something to reverse the effects that climate change has had.
Final Thoughts
And there you go, our list of 7 documentaries that you can binge-watch without feeling guilty. Environmental documentaries have the power to educate audiences on complex subjects and influence the narrative of conversation. We hope that they inspire you to take better care of our planet.
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