As we prepare for life after the pandemic, the inspiration of the great outdoors calls. These 7 environment documentaries are essential Earth Day watching.
Seven inspiring stories for Earth Day 2021
This time last year, much of the world was in lockdown. Now, we move towards a new normal of roaming freely in the great outdoors. But spare a thought for the future of nature. While we’ve been battling lousy Zoom connections, the environment is under threat from plastic pollution, overfishing and more.
But technological advancements and our renewed appreciation of nature mean hope is on the horizon. This Earth Day, we’ve picked seven environmental documentaries showing incredible responses to our world’s most pressing issues. Which one moves you the most?
Seaspiracy (above)
2021
Directed by Ali Tabrizi
About: Overfishing
After this poignant examination of the global fishing industry, sustainable fisheries and ocean destruction, you may never look at tuna salad the same way. Seaspiracy leaves a lasting impression.
Watch on Netflix.
Sir David Attenborough’s Life on our Planet
2020
Directed by Alastair Fothergill, Jonathan Hughes, Keith Scholey
About: Conservation
Life on our Planet is David Attenborough’s ‘witness statement‘ for the environment. Tracing his 60-year career broadcasting and natural history career, he shows the steep decline in the planet’s health over his lifetime.
Watch on Netflix.
Virunga
2014
Directed by Orlando von Einsiedel
About: Poaching
What happens when brave park rangers meet dangerous animal poachers? Virunga is a powerful look at the poaching industry and those trying to stop it every day.
Watch on Netflix.
From Kurils With Love
2020
Directed by Renan Ozturk, Taylor Rees – a Tomorrow Unlocked film
About: Biodiversity
The Kuril Islands are one of the most inaccessible volcanic islands chains in the world, and they’re under threat from climate change. One man stands to protect one of nature’s last safe havens.
Waste Land
2010
Directed by Lucy Walker
About: Recycling
Not your average eco-documentary. New York-based artist Vik Muniz travels to the world’s largest garbage heap in his native Brazil. What he finds changes him and those around him forever.
Watch on Amazon.
The Plastic Age
2015
Directed by Jake Summer
About: Plastic
Plastic pollution is a severe issue, but what can we do about it? The Plastic Age demonstrates a use for the Great Pacific garbage patch: Bionic yarn. But what is it and how can it help?
The Undamaged
2018
Directed by Miha Avguštin, Rožle Bregar and Matic Oblak
About: River conservation
Building 2,700 hydroelectric dams on Europe’s rivers might seem a good idea. So why is this kayaking group fighting it? Follow the paddling protesters from Slovenia to Albania as they join locals to oppose new dams.
These sobering but powerful glimpses at Earth under threat show people acting for change. Have we missed one? Share your recommendations with us on Facebook and Twitter.
Inspired to go one step further? Donate to the Kuril Islands preservation fund set up by marine biologist Vladimir, star of From Kurils With Love.