“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” – Albert Einstein
The turmoil of this past year has left an unprecedented impact on our environment, both positive and negative. Vastly reduced travel and transportation activity led to a record drop in global carbon emissions, but the rise in usage of single-use products such as disposable face masks and takeaway containers added tonnes of plastic waste to our landfills. These featured documentaries explore the delicate relationship between man and nature, and how it affects our future.
1. Yasuni Man
This multi-award-winning documentary is about a conflict raging deep within the Ecuadorian Amazon, a real-life Avatar story. In the most biodiverse forest on Earth, the Waorani people battle industry operatives and their own government in a fight to survive, as oil companies encroach, human rights violations run rampant and a forest Eden is destroyed—all for the oil that lies beneath Yasuni.
Saving Atlantis takes us on a global tour of one of the most important issues of our time, the degradation of coral reef ecosystems. The film weaves together several stories: scientists looking to unlock the secrets to coral survival; a mysterious coral reef that has withstood years of human pressures but now faces its greatest threat; and young aboriginal students in Australia working to restore the ancient connections of their people to a marine habitat.
3. Anote’s Ark
The island nation of Kiribati is one of the most isolated countries in the world, a tropical paradise located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is a beautiful, tranquil place seemingly far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life, but it faces one of the most perilous side-effects of industrialization, rising sea levels. The film intertwines then-president Anote Tong’s struggle to save his nation with the story of Tiemeri, a young mother of six fighting to migrate her family to New Zealand before it is too late.
4. Ten Billion
Ten Billion presents an unfortunate truth about our planet—that the rapidly growing population is expected to reach 10 billion people by 2050, with catastrophic consequences: increased demand for food, energy, and consumer goods without the ability to fulfil it. Written and presented by one of the world’s most foremost scientists, Professor Stephen Emmott, the documentary is a wakeup call to an unprecedented planetary emergency.
Combining advanced special effects, high-end computer animation, and the latest scientific and technological developments, Earth in 1000 Years takes us on a visually stunning trip into the future. This eye-opening documentary explores how scientists are studying the earth’s melting ice stores and reaching deep into the history of our planet, searching for clues to what the future might hold for us.
To stream these great films and more of the best documentaries from around the world, sign up for a free trial on www.iwonder.com today. Film availability may vary according to country.
