Hello! Here we have compiled a list of media pertaining to sustainability from a broad range of perspectives, ranging from an economic lens to a scientific one. If you have been wanting to learn more about sustainability, causes of environmental harm, proposed solutions, or other related factors, this list is for you. Enjoy!
Illustration by: mytoastlife.com
Political Lens
1. The Climate Book (2022) - Greta Thunberg
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER that is a great starting point for fostering sustainable interests, providing an optimistic view for climate action in that ‘We still have time to change the world’.
2. Oceans Rise Empires Fall (2024) - Gerard Toal
A book explaining how preoccupation with geopolitical competition and issues derails focus away from implementing sustainable and effective climate change policies and instead towards perpetuating existing harmful practices.
3. Greedy Lying Bastards (2012) - Craig Scott Rosebraugh
This film investigates the reason behind stalled efforts to tackle climate change despite consensus in the scientific community, in addition to the increases in natural disasters.
Economic Lens
1. The Day the World Stops Shopping (2021) - J.B. MacKinnon
A fascinating thought experiment exploring how consuming less can actually help the climate and mitigate its effects. Using an optimistic tone, the book shows how it is not too late to save the plant by reducing our current habitual consumption of products.
2. Planet of the Humans (2019) - Jeff Gibbs
This film critiques the influence of billionaires and corporations on mainstream environmental groups, and whether the subsequent promises of green energy are enough to counteract this global catastrophe.
Humanitarian Lens
1. The Intersectional Environmentalist (2022) - Leah Thomas
Another essential read exploring the powerful intersection of environmental issues and systems of oppression, and how the two are inextricably linked. Thomas emphasizes how we can now solve one issue without addressing the other, offering solutions and strategies while encouraging us all to be stewards of change.
2. The Age of Consequences (2016) - Jared P. Scott
This Emmy® nominated film explores how the military and US national security contribute to climate change and migration, and “how climate change stressors interact with societal tensions, sparking conflict”.
3. Meet America’s First Climate Change Refugees (2017) - SBS Dateline
A short investigation (available on youtube) regarding the consequences of rising sea levels on island populations, such as a group of climate refugees. Their numbers are expected to increase alongside global temperatures.
Health Lens
1. Plastic People (2024) - Ben Addelman
A health focused documentary on the consequences of plastic, particularly micro- and nano- plastics, on human health, in terms of reproduction, endocrine system, and much more. It explores the terrifying truth that plastics are EVERYWHERE.
2. The Last Drop: Solving the World’s Water-Crisis (2023) - Tim Smedley
This book explains how water scarcity is the next big climate crisis, affecting people globally. Exploring the effects of water scarcity and its causes, namely human mismanagement, The Last Drop also offers inspiring hope through the case studies of countries quietly doing debunk work to combat the water scarcity crisis.
Pollution Lens
1. Welcome to Sodom (2018) - Christian Krönes & Florian Weigensamer
A documentary exposing the use of Ghana as a global dumping ground for e-waste, where impoverished children dismantle them in toxic conditions for recovery of heavy metals. ‘A "clean" business for some, a poisonous routine for others.’ It showcases how the global south is used as a dumping ground for ‘first world’ nations.
2. Something in the Water (2019) - Ian Daniel & Elliot Page
Based right here in Canada, this film examines the disproportionate effects of environmental damage on Black Canadian and First Nations communities in Nova Scotia. It highlights how these issues are right here in our backyard, despite our ‘first world’ status, and how, in terms of policy, we may not be as unbiased as we believe ourselves to be.
3. WALL·E (2008) - Andrew Stanton
A childhood classic for many and a great introduction to the environmental impact of current human activities, WALL-E is the story of a robot alone in a deserted world full of trash and pollution and his journey into space to urge humanity back to save the planet it abandoned; a reminder that it’s not too late to save the earth. The film explores topics including consumerism, waste management, and corporatocracy.
Climate Lens
1. Anthropocene: The Human Epoch (2018) - Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier, and Edward Burtynsky
A renowned Canadian documentary, Anthropocene explores the evolution of the emerging concept of the ‘Anthropocene’: the present era defined by humans impact on environmental development. The film follows its film makers in their travels to 20 countries to document the variety of these impacts.
2. Burning (2021) - Eva Orner
This film illustrates how climate change is exacerbating natural disasters in terms of the massive fires of the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season. Whilst bushfire season is typical, it has reached a dystopic scale due to global warming. It highlights youth resilience through the Youth Climate Movement, in contrast to the inaction of prime minister Scott Morrison.
3. Interstellar (2014) - Christopher Nolan
The film takes place in a distant, dystopian future where the Earth has suffered a famine and climatic catastrophe. A group of astronauts travel through a wormhole by Saturn while searching for a new home for humanity. A commentary on the importance of human connection in the face of adversity, the film is a must watch for fans of sci-fi and sustainability. It also reveals the nuance of finding a new planet, when it is much simpler to save our earth.
Written by Adhum Al-Yasiri and Jorja Tupper