Documentaries on climate change, films about ecology, books on how to live a more ecological lifestyle , and artistic initiatives are powerful ways to inform and, above all, raise awareness among society and decision-makers about the problem of global warming and the impact of humankind on our planet.
If you want to learn a little more about the situation and, above all, find alternatives for a more sustainable world, at Elisa Muresan, your eco-friendly clothing store , we've prepared a list of 9 documentaries on sustainability, ecology, and the environment that, of course, also address climate change. We'll also tell you where to watch them, although we also encourage you to follow some of the most interesting film festivals in our country, such as Ecozine (Zaragoza) or Suncine (Barcelona).
1. Once you know
- Emmanuel Cappellin (2020)
- Available on Filmin
This documentary addresses the irreversible consequences of climate change and makes no bones about the fact that "it's already too late for our planet." But now that we know, what can we do? An inspiring documentary that gives voice to experts and scientists who call for collective and united action "to prepare for a transition that is as humane as possible."
2. Plastic Planet
- Werner Boote (2019)
It's been over a decade since Austrian film director Werner Boote, who has directed other documentaries such as "The Green Lie," released Plastic Planet. But today, plastic remains omnipresent in our daily lives. This documentary shows the interests and dangers behind this cheap and durable material . This isn't good for the environment. It doesn't dictate anything, but rather makes us reflect on our consumer habits.
3. Thanks for the rain
- Available on Filmin
- Julia Dahr and Kisilu Musya (2017)
A film that tells the true story of a Kenyan farmer, Kisilu Musya, who has spent years documenting the ravages of climate change in his village . Droughts and floods lead the farmer to organize a community movement fighting to change a situation that so deeply affects his family. Musya makes it to the climate change summit in Paris, where he confronts the comforts of the West in contrast to the harsh reality of those who suffer the most.
4. Degrowth, from the myth of abundance to voluntary simplicity
- Luis Picazo Casariego (2015)
- Available on Filmin
You may have seen "Minimalism: The Important Things" on Netflix, but we recommend this Spanish production that examines the environmental crisis and the decline of a system based on finite energy resources and raw materials. In response to this desire to "always have more," sustainable alternatives are being built.
5. Before it's too late (Before the flood)
- Fisher Stevens (2016)
- Available in full on Youtube.
This documentary on climate change, which National Geographic offers free viewing and can be found on platforms like YouTube, begins with the painting "The Garden of Earthly Delights" by the Dutch painter Jerome Bosch. From the bucolic image of the first panel, we move on to the disaster of the third: "A paradise that has been degraded and destroyed." This parallel opens with "Before It's Too Late," a film in which renowned actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who is also an environmental activist and UN Messenger of Peace, travels to different parts of the world for three years to show the drastic changes already taking place on the planet and what we can still do as individuals and as a society to "prevent the catastrophic disruption of life."
6. Saving my tomorrow
- Amy Schatz (2014)
- Available on HBO
The most interesting thing about this documentary is that it gives a voice to children, inhabitants and heirs of our planet. Over six chapters, these young activists talk with scientists to learn how the planet is changing and what we can do for a better future. A good audiovisual to introduce children and adolescents to this issue.
7. Tomorrow (Demain)
- Mélanie Laurent and Cyril Dion (2015)
- Available on Filmin
Can we conclude watching an environmental documentary with a bit of optimism? Indeed, that's the feeling left by the French feature film "Tomorrow," which leads the directorial duo and their team to investigate in ten countries what is causing the catastrophe and, especially, what the keys are to avoiding it . The idea arose after the publication of a study predicting the possible disappearance of part of humanity by 2100. Is there still time to do something? This documentary on climate change, which has reached 900,000 viewers in France, proves that it is.
8. The True Cost: Who Pays the Real Price for YOUR Clothes
- Available in full on YouTube.
A documentary to raise awareness about the true cost of the fashion industry, both on the people who make it and on our planet. The fact is that the ever-decreasing price of clothing comes at a price. You can watch it in full on YouTube.
9. Dear
- Yaser Talebi (2019)
- Available on Filmin
And we conclude with a special recommendation for a beautiful documentary about love for the environment and contact with nature. This multi-award-winning film tells the difficult family story of 82-year-old Iranian shepherd Firouzeh, showing us the grueling tasks she performs throughout the seasons to remain independent, thanks to nature and her work.
