14 Must-see documentaries on Climate Change

I have learnt more about the environment and climate change in the past few years than I have in the previous three decades. Thanks to the internet, never before has information been so easily accessible and consumable.

Here’s a list of some of my favourite films and documentaries about the planet and the impacts human activity is having on it (in chronological order of release):

1. An inconvenient truth (2006)

Arguably one of the most well-known and influential climate change documentaries of all time, this Oscar winning film follows former presidential candidate Al Gore as he explains to audiences how humans have messed up the planet. Gore issues an urgent warning on what must be done to save the earth and our way of life. Watching this documentary more than a decade from when it was released, you can’t help but feel a sting of poignancy that many of these warnings have not been heeded.

2. The 11th Hour (2007)

Hot on the heels on An Inconvenient Truth, Leonardo DiCaprio takes a look at the state of the global environment and the grave problems that it is facing. With contributions from scientists, politicians and environmental activists, the premise of the film is to reinforce the fact that life as we know it, is in jeopardy and we must act now to save it. Not just highlighting issues, the film also explores visionary and practical solutions for restoring the planet's ecosystems through technology, social responsibility and conservation. Again, it is a very sobering viewing experience, considering how long ago this was released.

3. Chasing Ice (2012)

Initially a sceptic on Climate Change, National Geographic photographer James Balog and his Extreme Ice Survey(EIS) capture the undeniable effects of it. Traveling with a team of young adventurers across the Arctic, years of compressed time lapsed footage show mountains of ice disappear at a breathtaking rate. Scenes such as a glacier calving event that took place at Jakobshavn Glacier in Greenland are almost too enormous to comprehend.

4. Trashed (2012)

Actor Jeremy Irons investigates the global impacts of our wasteful consumerism and pollution. The film depicts some harrowing scenes and is a call for urgent action to drastically reduce our consumption towards sustainable levels and zero waste. It also demonstrates how this is already being achieved in many communities around the world. Irons’ hope is that “the film will demonstrate that by changing the way we live our lives, we can contribute to our own survival and well-being and ultimately that of the planet”. If there is anyone who can scare you into being a less wasteful human, it’s Scar.

5. Mission Blue (2014)

Have you ever wondered what really goes on under the sea? Who better to show you than legendary oceanographer, marine biologist and the closest you’ll get a to a real-life mermaid, Dr. Sylvia Earle. Mission Blue takes viewers on Dr Earl’s own personal and career journeys whilst exploring the magic, beauty and fragility of our oceans. The film highlights not only the destruction of our oceans, but also areas of promise and restoration, aptly named ‘Hope Spots’ The purpose of Mission Blue is to create awareness of its campaign to create a global network of these protected marine sanctuaries.

6. Merchants of Doubt (2014)

Inspired by the book of the same name, this film shines a light on the ongoing use of public relations tactics to distract and mislead the public about the risk of global climate change, ultimately forestalling governmental action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a disconcerting reminder of how brazenly propaganda is used to fool our society in the pursuit of money and greed.

7. The True Cost (2015)

The LA Times labelled it “Staggering” and you will too. The True Cost lifts up the skirt of the fashion industry, specifically looking at the severely damaging effects of fast fashion on the environment and society. You will never look at a cheap t-shirt the same way.

8. A Plastic Ocean (2015)

What starts out as exploratory adventure in search of the elusive blue whale, journalist Craig Leeson quickly discovers plastic waste littering the ocean. The documentary then follows Craig, free diver Tanya Streeter and an international team of scientists and researchers, as they travel to twenty locations around the world. Footage captured over the next four years highlights just how fragile our oceans are. Whilst the film uncovers alarming truths about plastic pollution, it also reveals working solutions that can be put into immediate effect.

9. Before the Flood (2016)

Leo is back again! This time in his role as UN Messenger of Peace for Climate Change. Presented by National Geographic, this documentary takes you on a journey around the globe highlighting the devastating impacts of climate change already occurring on the planet. The film follows Leo as he speaks to scientists, world leaders, activists and local residents to gain a deeper understanding of this complex issue.

10. A Beautiful Planet (2016)

I was lucky enough to watch this at an IMAX, and what a way to experience it. Filmed over 15 months by astronauts aboard the International Space Station, the imagery is truly breathtaking. Viewers are given a rare glimpse of what the Earth looks like from space as well as the visual evidence of humankind’s existence on it.

11. An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (2017)

More than a decade on, Al Gore returns to the big screen as he continues his fight against climate change. This film follows Vice President Gore as he travels the world, training citizens as Climate Reality Leaders. Documenting the struggle and frustration of coming up against an administration that prioritises the interests of fossil fuel corporations over the health of our planet. You can’t help but admire Gore’s determination and resilience as he presses on to help the world and humanity.

12. Chasing Coral (2017)

Condensing over 500 hours of underwater footage and coral bleaching submissions from volunteers in 30 countries, this documentary explains the importance of coral reefs to our ecosystem and documents the alarming rate in which they are vanishing. The impacts of our disappearing coral reefs extend far beyond the ocean.

13. Terra (2018)

Terra (from Latin “goddess of the earth; the Earth itself”) looks at the natural history of humankind and our existence on Earth. Narrated by Vanessa Paradis, this captivating documentary takes you on a journey of the relationship we have to other inhabitants of Earth as we become more and more isolated from nature. How do we now wish to interact with other species that live around us? The power of Terra resides in this very question.

14. Our Planet (2019)

The WWF just recently released this on Netflix. Similar to Blue Planet and Planet Earth, this visually stunning series is also narrated by the one and only, Sir David Attenborough. Involving over 600 crew members and four years in the making, Our Planet lets you experience the natural beauty of the world whilst examining the impacts climate change is having on all living creatures.