With our attention squarely fixed on the effects that human activity has on our planet, it’s never been more important to celebrate Earth Day, which takes place on April 22. To help you do just that, here are a few informative documentaries from some incredible filmmakers that will help educate and inspire.
The year the Earth Changed, directed by Tom Beard (2021)
Narrated by David Attenborough and shot across five continents, this short documentary looks at how animals adapted to life without humans during the worldwide coronavirus lockdown. Attenborough takes a closer look at how nature has flourished, the most it has in decades. For example, in Kenya, no rhinos were poached for the first time since 1999. The year the Earth changed is currently streaming on Apple TV.
Kiss the Ground, directed by Rebecca Harrell Tickell and Josh Tickell (2020)
Kiss the ground is a full-length feature documentary that made a big impact at the prestigious Tribeca film festival. The documentary is narrated by Woody Harrelson and investigates how modern farming techniques have affected our soil. The film also looks at how humans can use the same land sustainably to benefit the environment and farmers. It’s currently streaming on Netflix.
Seapiracy, directed by Ali Tabrizi (2021)
From the filmmakers that brought you Cowspiracy (2014), this feature-length documentary takes a look at the mistreatment of the world’s oceans. From the overfishing of sea life to the dumping of plastics, this documentary aims to make waves and get people talking. You can find this documentary on Netflix.
I am Greta, directed by Nathan Grossman (2020)
Greta Thunberg is a name that’s most often associated with climate change. She has become a powerful yet polarising force within the environmental movement. I am Greta attempts to paint her in a more empathetic light, showcasing what a remarkable young woman she is and her journey to becoming the voice of a generation. It’s currently streaming on Hulu.
2040, directed by Damon Gameau (2019)
Driven by his desire to leave a better world for his daughter, Australian filmmaker Damon Gameau travels the world in search of answers and solutions to the current climate problem. He meets with innovators in various fields to draw on their knowledge. The documentary looks at the worst-case scenarios but chooses to focus on eco measures that are currently in place to help scale back the impending eco-disaster. You can watch this via Amazon Prime and YouTube.
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