7 Climate Change Documentaries On Netflix You Should Watch

Climate change remains one of the most pressing issues the world is facing. In order to prevent irreversible damages, we must all individually make environmental efforts. We might wonder how we can contribute towards making our environment healthier. Well, the answer isn't difficult. Netflix has a bunch of climate change documentaries which can help us increase our IQ about the climate and the changes it is going through.

Documentaries are usually short and informative movies based on factual data. This format of a documentary enables us to easily understand complex topics. The following are 7 climate change documentaries you should watch on Netflix if you are someone who is concerned about the issue.

1. Our Planet

Sir David Attenborough's eight-part Netflix series brings out how an increase in the global temperature is affecting the wildlife all around the world. It covers all forms of wildlife from Africa's flamingo chicks to Congo rainforest's lowland gorillas. Each of its episodes focuses on a different ecosystem- icebergs, jungles, deserts, forests etc. Each episode tells us the dramatic consequences human activities have had on the natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Additionally, we also learn how we can individually and collectively combat the degradation of the planet.

2. Chasing Coral

Chasing Coral tells of an underwater campaign that raises awareness about how coral reefs all around the world are disappearing at an unprecedented rate. Photographers, divers and scientists carry out an ocean adventure to discover the reason behind their vanishing. In the process, they also reveal the mysteries hidden in the underwater world. The documentary further unravels the important role coral reefs play in balancing marine ecosystems and life on Earth.

3. An Inconvenient Truth

Directed by Davis Guggenheim, this climate change documentary is about the former US Vice President Al Gore's campaign to educate people about the issue of global warming and its consequences. The film presents an illustrated talk on climate by Al Gore. It aims at making the public aware of the "planetary emergency" caused due to global warming. It also shows re-enacted incidents from his life which influenced him and made him concerned about environmental issues.

4. Kiss the Ground: Regenerative Agriculture

The message conveyed throughout the documentary is that the solution to many of humanity's greatest challenges is the soil. In order to balance the climate, decrease biodiversity losses and replenish water supplies, we need healthy soils. Over the last decade, we have been developing unhealthy and eroded soils which are not rich in nutrients. The movie is narrated by Woody Harrelson. It guides us by telling us how we can do our bit as individuals by consuming more plant-based diet or composting. At the same time, the powerful documentary enlightens us about regenerative agriculture.

5. A Plastic Ocean

With every passing day, plastic causing ocean pollution is getting more and more news. There are also talks about a plastic continent, the Great Pacific Garbage patch. The British documentary, A Plastic Ocean revolves around the issues of the causes and consequences of pollution caused by plastic.

6. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret

The he link between climate change and the cattle industry is not always addressed. Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, in the documentary we see filmmaker Kip Andersen throwing light on this issue. Despite the controversy over certain claims made in the documentary, it makes people aware of the environmental impact of meat. It follows the shocking, yet humourous journey of an aspiring environmentalist who desires to find a solution to critical environmental issues and path to sustainability.

7. Mission Blue

Netflix's Mission Blue is a documentary made on the career and mission of the oceanographer Sylvia Earle. It documents her life starting with how nature fascinated her and how she was affected when her family moved to Florida. Later in life, she became an explorer and a scientist and participated in expeditions. Earle worked in a field dominated by men but managed to maintain a balance between her personal and professional life breaking the glass ceiling. Technology also played an important role in her career because with the advancement in technology, explorers could dive into the depths of the ocean which were never seen before. She herself improved the design of the manipulator arms on a suit for better dexterity under water.

Have you watched any of the above mentioned climate change documentaries? Which one is your favourite and which ones do you aspire to watch now?