Essential Documentaries about Environmental Justice
Must-Watch Films for Advocacy and Awareness
The urgency of understanding environmental justice has never been greater, with the climate crisis affecting communities worldwide. Documentaries play a vital role in highlighting these issues, offering insights into the struggles and resilience of those on the frontlines.
These films provide an essential lens through which to view the interconnectedness of climate change, socio-economic disparities, and human rights. By bringing these stories to light, they educate and inspire action, making them indispensable resources for anyone passionate about ecological and social justice.
1) I Am Greta (2020)
"I Am Greta" chronicles the journey of Greta Thunberg, a young climate activist from Sweden. Directed by Nathan Grossman, it's a powerful exploration of her transformation from a solitary protester to a global symbol for climate justice.
The documentary starts with Greta's lone school strike outside the Swedish parliament. Her persistence attracted media attention and inspired millions of young people worldwide to join her in demanding urgent climate action.
Through candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, viewers see Greta’s dedication and personal struggles. Her Asperger's syndrome is discussed as both a challenge and a source of her unwavering focus and resilience.
The movie provides a compelling insight into the personal and public life of a teenage activist. It sheds light on the intense scrutiny and backlash she faces from skeptics and critics, as well as the support and admiration from environmental advocates.
"I Am Greta" is available for streaming on platforms like Hulu and BBC iPlayer. It serves as both an inspiring personal tale and a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for environmental justice.
For more information on the film, visit IMDb.
2) The True Cost (2015)
"The True Cost" is a documentary film that shines a light on the hidden side of the global fashion industry. Directed by Andrew Morgan, this 2015 film explores the various aspects of fast fashion, from the plight of low-wage workers in developing countries to the severe environmental impacts.
The documentary highlights how the decreasing prices of clothing over the decades have come with increasing human and environmental costs. Factories with poor working conditions, pollution of rivers and soil, pesticide-related diseases, and other severe issues are thoroughly examined.
Using interviews and research, Morgan tells the story of the people who make the clothes we wear every day. It offers a poignant look at the true cost of our consumption habits, questioning the sustainability and ethics of the fashion industry.
For more information, visit "The True Cost" on IMDb.
3) An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
"An Inconvenient Truth" is a renowned documentary directed by Davis Guggenheim. It focuses on former United States Vice President Al Gore's campaign to raise awareness about global warming. The film utilizes a powerful slide show that Gore has presented to audiences worldwide over a thousand times.
The documentary presents scientific facts about global warming and highlights the urgency of the crisis. Al Gore explains the catastrophic effects of rising temperatures and outlines possible solutions to address these environmental challenges. The film aims to shift public perception and motivate action against climate change.
Producer Laurie David played a pivotal role in bringing this documentary to life. She recognized the importance of Gore's message and its potential impact on public consciousness. "An Inconvenient Truth" has contributed significantly to the environmental justice movement, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
For more information, visit the Wikipedia page.
4) The 11th Hour (2007)
The 11th Hour is a documentary film released in 2007, directed by Leila Conners and Nadia Conners. The film is narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio and offers a critical examination of the state of the Earth's environment.
The documentary focuses on numerous environmental crises, including climate change, deforestation, and ocean stagnation. It presents scientific evidence and expert opinions to outline the severe impact of human activity on the planet.
The film also delves into the political and social obstacles that impede environmental action. By highlighting how systemic issues contribute to environmental degradation, The 11th Hour urges viewers to reconsider their role in the broader ecological context.
Notable figures such as Stephen Hawking and David Suzuki provide insights throughout the documentary. These contributions help to underscore the urgency of addressing environmental issues before it is too late.
The 11th Hour emphasizes the necessity of sustainable practices and the importance of collective action. It calls upon individuals and policymakers alike to make meaningful changes to preserve the planet for future generations.
For more information, see The 11th Hour on IMDb.
5) Before the Flood (2016)
Before the Flood is a 2016 documentary directed by Fisher Stevens and featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film focuses on the effects of climate change around the world and aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for environmental action.
Leonardo DiCaprio, serving as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, travels to five continents and the Arctic. He interviews influential figures like Barack Obama, the Pope, and Elon Musk to understand the different facets of the climate crisis.
The film presents a powerful visual narrative. It showcases the melting polar ice caps and burning forests in Indonesia. These images effectively communicate the devastating impact of human activities on the planet.
The documentary doesn't just highlight problems. It also explores potential solutions, such as renewable energy technologies. DiCaprio's journey serves as a call to action for individuals and policymakers alike.
Before the Flood has been critically acclaimed and won the 2017 Documentary Award for Environmental Advocacy. Its engaging approach makes the complex issue of climate change accessible to a broad audience.
For more information, visit Wikipedia.
6) Chasing Ice (2012)
Chasing Ice is a documentary directed by Jeff Orlowski that presents the work of environmental photographer James Balog. The film focuses on Balog's Extreme Ice Survey project, which uses time-lapse photography to capture the retreat of glaciers due to climate change.
The documentary takes viewers on a journey through the Arctic, showcasing stunning visuals of melting ice. Balog and his team face numerous challenges, including severe weather conditions and equipment failures, highlighting the difficulty of their mission.
Chasing Ice provides undeniable visual evidence of the changing climate. The time-lapse footage depicts glaciers shrinking at an alarming rate, offering a powerful testament to the effects of global warming.
This film serves as an eye-opener, stressing the urgency of addressing climate change. It encourages viewers to reflect on the impact of human activities on the environment and the need for immediate action.
For more information, visit Chasing Ice on IMDb.
7) Gasland (2010)
Gasland is a pivotal documentary directed by Josh Fox. Released in 2010, the film sheds light on the practices and impacts of natural gas drilling, particularly hydraulic fracturing or "fracking."
The documentary explores the environmental and health issues faced by communities in the United States due to fracking. It uncovers troubling instances of water contamination, air pollution, and various health problems.
Gasland received significant attention and played a crucial role in mobilizing the anti-fracking movement. It highlights the often-overlooked consequences of extracting natural gas from shale formations.
Fox's exploration is deeply personal, beginning with an offer to lease his own land for drilling. This leads him to investigate the widespread damage caused by fracking across the country. The film's raw footage and interviews give a compelling view of the industry's impact on everyday lives.
For further information, visit Gasland on IMDb.
8) This Changes Everything (2015)
"This Changes Everything" is a documentary film directed by Avi Lewis. The film is based on Naomi Klein's book "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate." The documentary premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was well received.
Filmed over 211 days across nine countries and five continents, the documentary presents seven powerful portraits of communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. From Montana's Powder River Basin to the Alberta Tar Sands, and from the coast of South India to Greece, the film captures diverse stories of struggle and resilience.
The documentary aims to reimagine the challenge of climate change by focusing on community-driven solutions. It highlights the efforts of people like Jyothi, a matriarch in Andhra Pradesh, India, who fights against a proposed coal-fired power plant threatening local livelihoods.
For those interested in a broader understanding of environmental justice and the human element in the fight against climate change, "This Changes Everything" is an essential watch.
For more information, visit the Wikipedia page.
9) The Cove (2009)
"The Cove" is an essential documentary for understanding environmental justice issues, focusing on dolphin hunting practices in Taiji, Japan. Directed by Louie Psihoyos, the film follows a group of activists, including Ric O'Barry, as they expose the brutal and hidden realities of dolphin capture and slaughter.
Ric O'Barry, a former dolphin trainer for the 1960s TV show "Flipper," has dedicated his life to protecting dolphins. His personal transformation and relentless activism are central themes in the documentary.
The team uses advanced techniques like hidden cameras and microphones to document their findings. This covert operation reveals disturbing footage that sheds light on the dark practices within the cove.
The documentary won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010. It has significantly raised global awareness about the plight of dolphins and the detrimental effects of these practices on marine life.
For more information on "The Cove," visit IMDB.
10) A Plastic Ocean (2016)
A Plastic Ocean is a feature-length documentary that sheds light on the fragile state of our oceans. It explores the pervasive issue of plastic pollution through the lens of scientists, filmmakers, and environmental activists.
The film reveals how plastic waste impacts marine life and ecosystems. It uncovers startling statistics and facts about the volume of plastic debris floating in the oceans.
Shot over four years, the documentary spans more than 20 locations. It showcases the global reach of plastic pollution, providing a comprehensive look at how this crisis affects different parts of the world.
The documentary also offers solutions to mitigate plastic pollution. It encourages viewers to adopt sustainable practices and highlights efforts by various organizations working to tackle this issue.
For more information about A Plastic Ocean, visit the Wikipedia page.
The Impact of Documentaries on Environmental Justice
Documentaries play a crucial role in raising awareness and educating the public, influencing policy and advocacy, and changing public perception about environmental justice issues.
Raising Awareness and Education
Documentaries serve as powerful tools for educating audiences about environmental justice. They provide detailed accounts of environmental issues and their social impacts. For instance, "The Condor & The Eagle" highlights the struggles of communities impacted by environmental injustices, offering a platform for their voices.
Such films also bring attention to less widely known issues.
Educational institutions often use these documentaries as teaching resources, helping students understand complex environmental topics through real-life examples. By presenting data and personal stories visually, they make the subject more accessible and engaging, reaching a broader audience beyond academic circles.
Influence on Policy and Advocacy
Many documentaries have influenced policy decisions and advocacy efforts. "The Road Back Home: Environmental Justice And Wetland Restoration at the Lower 9th" exposes the lack of government assistance in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina. This kind of exposure puts pressure on policymakers to address the highlighted issues.
Films like these often lead to campaigns that mobilize activists and community leaders.
Governments and organizations may adopt new regulations to mitigate the environmental harms showcased in these documentaries. By presenting clear, evidence-backed narratives, these films help shape policy conversations and inspire legislative action.
Changing Public Perception
Changing public perception is another significant impact of environmental justice documentaries. Movies such as "Mossville: When Great Trees Fall" reveal the historical and ongoing injustices faced by marginalized communities due to environmental negligence.
By humanizing the individuals affected, documentaries foster empathy and understanding.
This shift in perspective can lead to increased public support for environmental justice initiatives. Public sentiment can drive consumer behavior and even affect corporate practices as companies strive to align with more environmentally conscious values. Documentaries thus act as catalysts for broader societal changes in attitudes toward the environment and justice.
Themes Explored in Environmental Justice Documentaries
Environmental justice documentaries cover a range of impactful topics, highlighting the intersections between human activity and environmental degradation. These films underscore specific issues such as climate change, urban pollution, and biodiversity loss, offering a comprehensive look into the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Climate Change and Its Effects
Many documentaries spotlight the dramatic impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, severe weather patterns, and sea-level rise are common themes.
These films frequently illustrate the struggle of indigenous communities, farmers, and coastal inhabitants as they cope with environmental shifts. For instance, extreme droughts and floods have devastated crops, leading to food insecurity.
Documentaries like "Before the Flood" and "Chasing Ice" effectively illustrate the science behind climate change while giving voice to those most affected.
Urbanization and Pollution
Urbanization introduces serious pollution challenges. Documentaries often focus on air and water pollution in rapidly growing cities. Factories and vehicles contribute significant pollutants, exposing residents to respiratory diseases and other health risks.
"Blue Vinyl" and "Gasland" delve into the impact of industrial pollution on local communities. They reveal how major corporations perpetuate environmental harm, often in low-income areas.
These films shed light on the struggles for cleaner environments and highlight grassroots movements fighting for change.
Biodiversity and Conservation
Biodiversity loss and conservation efforts are also prominent themes. Documentaries explore how habitat destruction and species extinction affect ecosystems and human life. Forests, wetlands, and other critical habitats face threats from logging, mining, and development.
"Virunga" and "Racing Extinction" provide compelling narratives on the fight to protect endangered species and preserve natural habitats. They emphasize the interconnectedness of all living organisms and the importance of biodiversity for ecological balance.
By documenting these stories, filmmakers inspire action and awareness around conservation initiatives.
