We are well aware of the fact that the glaciers are melting, global warming is real, oceans are becoming polluted, natural resources are decreasing and animals are dying. A large fraction of our wildlife is on the brink of extinction. The world, as we know it, is changing and it isn’t for the better. On International Earth Day, these 8 widely acclaimed documentaries enlighten us about the precarious situation of our planet and how we can do our bit to help, collectively.

1. Our Planet (2019)

This British documentary series is based on how climate change has affected our planet for worse. This Netflix series, directed by Alastair Fothergill, portrays how human actions have caused a chain reaction, the world over and is affecting the eco-system in an irreparable way.

Watch it on Netflix. 

2. Chasing Ice (2012)

This is an award-winning documentary on climate change. In this documentary, environmental photographer James Balog and his team go on The Extreme Ice Survey to show the reality and the truth behind planet’s rapidly melting glaciers. 

Watch it on Netflix. 

3. Earth (2007)

This documentary shows how animal mothers struggle to raise their offsprings in an environment that is increasingly becoming dangerous. It highlights the struggles of a polar bear and her two newborn cubs, an elephant and her calf who struggle to find food and water that is needed for their survival. 

Watch it on YouTube. 

4. Before The Flood (2016)

In this documentary actor Leonardo DiCaprio meets with environmentalists, scientists, activists and world leaders to discuss and understand the dangers of climate change and the kind of impact it will have on all living creatures. They all collectively try and find out possible solutions to this alarming issue.

Watch it on Hotstar. 

5. Racing Extinction (2015)

Activists, scientists and other environmentalists join hands with filmmaker Louie Psihyos to explain how mankind has played a role in the potential loss of at least half of the world’s species. This documentary enlightens us on how we humans are responsible for the extinction of some of the world’s rarest species. 

Watch it on YouTube. 

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6. An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

This Oscar-winning documentary features movie stars and Former presidential candidate, Al Gore, who come together in front of an audience to explain how humans have created a mess on the planet. Gore further educates us on what should and can be done to save the earth. 

Watch it on Amazon Prime Video. 

7. A Plastic Ocean (2013)

Craig Leeson, a documentary filmmaker, embarks on a journey to discover the alarming amount of plastic pollution in the world’s ocean. He investigates the environmental impact of plastic pollution and how it can be dealt with. 

Watch it on Netflix. 

8. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)

This documentary film explores the impact of animal agriculture on the environment. It also investigates the policies of environmental organizations on this issue. This documentary looks at other environmental concerns like global warming, water use, deforestation and environmental destruction as well. 

Watch it on Netflix. 

It’s high time we acquainted ourselves with the devastation we cause to our environment and heed the many wake up calls; some of which are beautifully portrayed in these documentaries.