Talks about climate change can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, so addressing the issue in movies can help reach a broader public and raise awareness among people that might otherwise not be interested in learning about this crucial topic.

From older documentaries to the latest blockbusters, here is a list of the best climate change movies to watch this year.

1. Don’t Look Up (2021)

First on our list of the best climate change movies is Don’t Look Up starring Leonardo DiCarpio. The record-breaking Netflix film tells the story of a science professor and his younger student discovering a fast-approaching comet that is set to reach the Earth and will likely destroy it. Together, they need to convince the government as well as the public of the existential threat and the catastrophic consequences it may have on humanity. However, the task is more difficult than they think when no one takes them seriously.

The team struggles to break through the craziness of social networks, political inaction, and lack of media attention. Indeed, the comet approaching the planet is an ambivalent metaphor for climate change and its disastrous effects. The film also serves as a reminder that politicians are clearly not doing enough and if they don’t act quickly, it will be too late to save our planet. 

See also: ‘Don’t Look Up’: Leonardo Dicaprio’s Advice for Tackling Climate Change

2. Princess Mononoke (1997)

Despite being released 25 years ago, the Japanese movie Princess Mononoke remains one of the most beloved and relevant movies about climate change. On a journey to find the cure for a demonic curse, the protagonist Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a war between the forest gods and Tatara, a mining colony. 

This hard-hitting political anime depicts the consequences of destroying nature and humanity’s inability to live in harmony, sending a strong message that, sadly, is still very much relevant today. 

3. The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008)

Next on our list is a remake of the 1951 classic science-fiction film about a human-like alien visitor and his giant robot counterpart who land on Earth. The alien identifies himself as Klaatu and says he has come to save the planet. Despite seeing him as a threat, Dr Helen Benson, who was summoned to a US military facility, decides to facilitate his escape. However, she learns that he intends to eradicate humans from Earth. Why? Because of human activities and climate change.

In the 21st-century version, humans are destroying the Earth’s environment, and the aliens have come to save the planet and its species, with the exception of humankind. The movie does a great job at shedding light on the damage humanity has done and continues to do, while delivering an urgent warning of what the future holds for us.

4. Before The Flood (2016)

One of the best climate change movies is Before the Flood, a collaboration between actor and Earth Alliance co-founder Leonardo DiCaprio and National Geographic. Taking viewers around the world, the documentary features poignant accounts of how different stakeholders are affected by climate change through deforestation, rising sea levels and other human activities.

The documentary calls for world leaders to fight for a more sustainable future and arms viewers with solutions they can implement into their lives, from reducing meat consumption to voting for leaders who will initiate positive environmental change.

5. Eating Our Way to Extinction (2021)

Next up is a documentary narrated and executive produced by Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet. This enlightening movie explores how the global food industry is hastening climate change through a host of unsustainable practices.

Through undercover footage and the testimony of indigenous peoples, Eating Our Way to Extinction will undoubtedly change your perception of food and help you understand how the modern industry is compromising food security.

6. 2040 (2019)

If you’re looking for something less grim, 2040 is a refreshingly optimistic pick. Rather than focusing on the urgency of problems, this solution-oriented documentary depicts the story of an Australian dad who imagines what life could be like for his four-year-old daughter in the future.

Much of the film is dedicated to highlighting the technological breakthroughs and creative alternatives to tackle the challenges of climate change – from renewable energy like rooftop solar to regenerative agricultural practices and the versatile use of seaweed to fight the looming issue of food insecurity. 

See also: 8 Books About Climate Change and Sustainability to Read in 2022

7. Burning (2021)

Academy-Award winning Australian filmmaker Eva Orner takes a look at the unprecedented, catastrophic and deadly Australian bushfires of 2019-2020 known as ‘Black Summer’.

Narrating the story from the perspective of those directly involved and affected by the fires as well as activists and scientists, the documentary exposes the Australian government’s inaction and the irreversible damage that these catastrophic events left behind, shining a light on the global issue of climate change.

8. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

This 2004 masterpiece by Roland Emmerich tells the story of climatologist Jack Hall, whose research highlighted the possibility of a superstorm developing and setting off catastrophic natural disasters across the world. Similarly to how DiCaprio’s character is treated in Don’t Look Up, Hall is faced with judgment as UN officials and world leaders ignore his warnings of a looming tragedy. 

The Day After Tomorrow depicts a catastrophic climate event that is not as far from reality as we might think. In the movie, the Atlantic Ocean grinds to a halt, throwing the Earth into an ice age. As evidence of the ocean’s water-circulation system weakening increases, we cannot exclude that something similar might actually happen in the future.

9. An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

An Inconvenient Truth is one of the seminal and best environmental films ever made. The film recounts former US Vice President Al Gore’s campaign in 2000 to educate people about global warming, making the documentary stand out in its experimental narration. This lecture-like presentation on climate change, Gore claims, has been delivered to worldwide audiences more than 1,000 times.

Apart from detailed graphs, flow charts and visuals, the slide show also collates personal anecdotes such as Gore’s college education with an early climate expert. The film concludes with Gore stressing how “each one of us is a cause of global warming, but [….] the solutions are in our hands.” 

10. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020)

In what David Attenborough calls his “witness statement” for the environment, A Life on Our Planet guides viewers through the naturalist’s 60-year career and demonstrates the devastating changes our planet has experienced in his lifetime. Originally released on Netflix in 2020, the 85-minute documentary presents some pretty grim predictions for the future should humanity continue on its current path, including a sixth mass extinction and a 4°C global temperature rise that will render large parts of the Earth uninhabitable.

Atypical of his usual nature documentaries, Attenborough takes a more critical tone in Our Planet, condemning humans’ treatment of the natural world – which makes his message of hope all the more effective, as he discusses solutions for combating the climate crisis at the conclusion of the film.

See also: David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet’ Review

This article was originally written and published by Earth.Org and is republished here as part of an editorial partnership.

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The Blue Planet (2001)

Arguably one of David Attenborough’s best documentaries of all time, The Blue Planet consists of eight 50-minute episodes examining the many wonderful and complex facets of the marine environment and life in it. Often described as the first ever comprehensive series on the natural history of the world’s oceans, this multiple award-winning series features jaw-droppingly beautiful underwater photography and dramatic footage, revealing the rich lives of marine animals and behaviour that had previously never been filmed before. It became so successful that a sequel series was launched in 2016 – it only took another 15 years. 

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020)

For those looking for a documentary that encapsulates Attenborough’s decades of work and an insightful examination of humanity’s impact on planet Earth, look no further than A Life on Our Planet. The renowned naturalist guides viewers through his incredible 60-year career while illustrating all the devastating changes our planet has suffered during the same period, from a sixth mass extinction to global warming. Attenborough is considerably critical of humanity’s actions and activities over the last century, but offers a message of hope, advocating that we still have time to solve climate change and create a more sustainable future for the world. 

The Life of Birds (1998)

Most of us have probably seen amusing footage of male exotic birds performing quirky dances and mating rituals, but for many in the 90s, The Life of Birds introduced audiences for the first time to the different species of exotic birds and their ways of life. This Peabody award-winning documentary series took three years to make and visits to 42 countries, but what the filmmakers ended up with are rare but extensive footage showcasing the different aspects of the birds’ day-to-day existence, from ways of communications to family structures. Though Attenborough himself confesses that he is not an expert in ornithology, his pure joy and excitement, particularly with the birds of paradise, is so infectious that makes viewers want to learn more too.  

Planet Earth (2006)

Another mammoth of a documentary series, Planet Earth took five years to film across 64 countries, and was the most expensive nature documentary series to be commissioned by the BBC at the time. As evident from its many accolades, the epic series offers a beautifully shot yet detailed examination of the different biomes and habitats of the natural world, accompanied by spectacular music. Each of the 50-minute episodes takes audiences from the deepest oceans to the coldest winters in the Arctic, demonstrating its beauty while highlighting how these ever-changing ecosystems will likely collapse in the near future if we do nothing to protect them. The stunning panoramic footage alone makes it one of David Attenborough’s best documentaries. 

Frozen Planet (2011)

Much like Attenborough’s other ‘Planet’ series, Frozen Planet focuses on life in the specific environment, namely in the Arctic and Antarctic. The show consists of seven episodes, chronicling the natural history of these regions and how threats including global warming and climate change are affecting the landforms and the survival of native animals. Witness breathtaking sweeping shots of glaciers and arctic volcanoes to rarely seen footage of polar animals including Adelie penguins, fur seals and of course, polar bears, as they struggle to hunt across seasons and adapt to a changing climate. 

Extinction: The Facts (2020)

A frightening yet important documentary film, Extinction: The Fact depicts how the world is in the midst of a sixth mass extinction, where human activity such as poaching, illegal wildlife trade and overfishing are pushing one million out of eight million species on the planet to the brink of extinction. While the film illustrates just how global warming and a profit-driven economy are devastating the lives and survival of species, Attenborough does offer a variety of solutions to motivate viewers and consumers. Whether it is advocating for environmental labels in food products or banning wildlife trade, the documentary provides some great insights from a range of experts, as well as drawing a connection between biodiversity and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Planet (2019)

This Netflix epic is made by the same people behind Planet Earth, Frozen Planet and The Blue Planet, and in collaboration with the conservation NGO World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Our Planet details all the different impacts climate change has on living creatures, and is expertly narrated by Attenborough, who has moved beyond to just a passive commentator but an advocate of change. From the hottest deserts and the turbulent coastal waters to dense forest and jungles that continue to be degraded every day, the series effectively reminds audiences we are currently living an age of wildlife loss during human development and activity, and it’s time to do something about it. 

The Earthshot Prize: Repairing Our Planet (2021)

In October 2021, five winners of Earthshot Prize, an award spearheaded by Prince William recognising and championing solution-based projects that are helping solve global environmental problems, were announced. Prior to the awards ceremony, a five-part documentary series was aired, narrated by Attenborough – a member of the prize council – educating the public on five of the biggest challenges our planet faces, which forms the five categories of the Earthshot Prize. Each episode not only offers an informative overview of the planet’s threats and human impacts, but introduces some of the innovations and the changemakers who are offering simple yet ambitious solutions in solving the climate crisis. 

Attenborough’s Life That Glows (2016)

Experience nature in a whole new light – quite literally, in this case – in this visually stunning documentary film that explores the life of bioluminescent organisms. Viewers will discover all types of animals, fungi and bacteria that are able to create light and glow in the dark including the luminous plankton that light up coastal waters, as well as rarely seen deep sea fish. Join Attenborough as he and a team of deep-sea explorers showcase the mysterious and luminescent creatures of the world. 

Dynasties (2008)

One of the lesser known David Attenborough documentaries but equally worthy of a watch, Dynasties offers a comprehensive study into the behaviours and lifestyle of five vulnerable or endangered species: chimpanzee, emperor penguin, lion, tiger and African wild dog. Each of the five episodes follows different generations of a family and demonstrate their unique lives and personalities of these majestic animals. You might think you know everything about lions and tigers, but you will find yourself incredibly invested in the lives of each of these species – celebrating the birth of a new member and mourn for the deaths of individual “characters”. 

Featured image by Taylor Herring/Flickr

This article was originally written and published by Earth.Org and is republished here as part of an editorial partnership.

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As we all gear up for some heavy duty Christmas feasting this week, it’s also a great opportunity to stay mindful on how to do your part in reducing food waste. This can be as simple as buying only what you need for Christmas feasting, saving leftover food from the Christmas table, and donating extras to charity. To learn more about the pressing issue, here are some of the best documentaries about food waste to watch:

Wasted! The Story of Food Waste (2017)

The clue is in the name, this punchy and informative documentary delves into the detrimental environmental impacts of food waste, the unsustainable practices surrounding food production, and the root of our global food waste problem – our eating habits. Told through the perspective of some of the most famous chefs including the late Anthony Bourdain, Wasted! The Story of Food Waste explores the innovative solutions where chefs are able to repurpose food scraps and leftovers to produce some incredible dishes, while advocating the changes individuals need to make to ensure global food security. 

Just Eat it! A Food Waste Story (2014)

The film follows a Vancouver couple, Grant Baldwin and Jen Rustemeyer, as they attempt to survive exclusively on food waste over the course of six months to illustrate our “systematic obsession with expiry dates, perfect produce, and portion sizes.” Funny and entertaining, Just Eat It and its two filmmakers’ journey encourage audiences to re-examine how they view their food, from when eating out in a restaurant to examining produce at the grocery store. Featuring interviews with author and activist Tristram Stuart and acclaimed author Jonathan Bloom, the documentary will force you to look at your fridge through a new lens. 

A Place At The Table (2012)

One of the best documentaries on food waste, A Place at the Table is a detailed examination on the issue of hunger in the US,  and is centred around the daily lives of three food-insecure Americans as they struggle to feed themselves. In following the documentary’s main protagonists, viewers discover the staggering number of people, including children, who are on federal food assistance or rely on charitable food programmes for basic nutrition, and how hunger poses serious economic, social, and cultural implications for the country. Look out for appearances including actor Jeff Bridges, author Raj Patel, and chef Tom Colicchio, and explore the various policies and solutions needed in tackling hunger in America. 

Taste the Waste (2010)

Filmmaker Valentin Thurn contextualises exactly how much edible food is wasted every day, from the farm to the dining-room table in this compelling 92-minute documentary. Looking at food waste specifically in the European Union, Taste the Waste examines the systemic problem of how food is easily lost and discarded, whether it is from supermarkets due to aesthetics and expiry dates or how technology is used to discard produce solely based on their colours, as well as its contribution to climate change. Thurn interviews a wide range of stakeholders including farmers and EU bureaucrats to discover the root of the problem, and how we should be more mindful the next time we throw out food. 

Sustainable (2016)

America is facing a food crisis and an increasingly high food demand that is no longer sustainable. In this documentary, filmmakers and food activists Matt Wechsler and Annie Speicher put the spotlight on Marty Travis, a seventh-generation farmer who watched his land and community fall victim to the pressures of big agribusiness, as he transforms his profitless wasteland and pioneers the sustainable food movement in Chicago. Interweaving interviews with experts shedding light on the instability of America’s current food and farming system, this ultimately optimistic film shows how a food revolution can have a positive impact across agriculture, the environment, economics and public health, and how “land can be restored to once again sustain us”.

Food Inc. (2008)

Though this Oscar-nominated documentary does not focus entirely on food waste, it was one of the first notable investigations into corporate farming and how unsustainable agribusiness is degrading the health of humanity and the planet. Diving into the industrial production of meat, grains and vegetables and how economically and environmentally unsustainable it is, Food Inc highlights the manipulative power of American multinational corporations who supply cheap but chemical-ridden food, which props up our persistent food throwaway culture. By drawing attention to the recent booming trend of organic foods, the film compels us to make more environmentally conscious eating choices.

This article was originally written and published by Earth.Org and is republished here as part of an editorial partnership.

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