Ah, climate change. The topic that many Australian politicians can’t seem to grasp.
Last September, Liberal National Party senator Ian Macdonald told the federal parliament that Australia’s children have been “brainwashed” about human-induced climate change, which he described as “a fad or a farce or a hoax” and “farcical and fanciful”.
Don’t even get me started on One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts.
Just for fun, I’ll include a quick video. It features Professor Brian Cox and Malcolm Roberts on a Q&A episode focussed on climate change.
I remember watching this particular episode one night with my sister. I was completely shocked and somewhat furious. While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, it’s hard to accept one’s opinion when it blindly contradicts a mountain of research led by esteemed scientists and activists.
I personally believe that it is the responsibility of any Earth dweller to be educated on ways we can help to improve our home. This involves coming to terms with some harsh realities, and even some consequences.
Collectively, we are beginning to acknowledge that our dependence on fossil fuels – that has been harming our economy and environment for decades – must come to an end. The question today is no longer why, but how.
Therefore, for this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you a few of my favourite documentaries, talks and YouTube videos that will give you a better understanding of the topic.
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret.
How could I not include Cowspiracy? It’s quite easily the most life changing piece of work I’ve ever witnessed. Directors Kip Andersen and Keeghan Khun investigate the alarming rate at which animal agriculture is destroying our planet. The best thing about this documentary is that Kip Andersen, the leading man, is just an ordinary guy.
Determined to find the truth, he followed his curiosity. It led to the project gaining worldwide success, as well as the help of executive producer and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio. Available on Netflix.
Chasing Ice.
Chasing Ice is visually stunning. The documentary follows James Balog and his team on the Extreme Ice Survey installing cameras within the world’s rapidly melting ice glaciers. The best thing about this documentary is seeing the team’s whole process; the struggles, the disappointment, and the achievements.
It’s inspiring to witness the team overcome so many technical problems and malfunctions to produce one of the most renowned climate change documentaries of all time. Watch trailer here.
Johnathan Foley: The Other Inconvenient Truth.
Fact: Animal agriculture covers 40 percent of Earth’s land. This TED talk explores the complex relationship between global environmental systems and human civilization. Dr. Foley analyses devastating changes in land use, ecosystems and resources around the world. This TED talk is rich in facts, diagrams and detailed maps to show how animal agriculture will destroy the planet as our population rises.
It’s an eye opening view of how our insatiable (and growing) love for meat is quickly becoming an unsustainable practice that ultimately needs to change. Watch here.
In another blog post I’ll show my favourite documentaries and YouTubers who inspired me to go vegan. Because, essentially, leading a plant based lifestyle will help curb the growing consequences of animal agriculture, thus mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing our carbon footprint!
Thanks for reading,
Liv x
Sentient Soul 