Top 5 environmental documentaries to stream in lockdown

During the ongoing lockdown that is affecting the UK, you may be looking for something new and interesting to stream. There are many documentaries available to stream to expand your knowledge on all subjects, if you’re looking for something a little more educational than the latest drama! Here are 5 of the top environmental documentaries to stream right now and where you can find them.

 1. Chasing Coral

Available to stream on Netflix and YouTube

Netflix has recently uploaded the full movie for free to its YouTube channel, meaning you are now able to stream it on YouTube without the need of a Netflix account.

Inspired by Jeff Orlowski’s 2012 documentary Chasing Ice, the idea was put forward to produce a similar documentary looking into the Earth’s oceans. Chasing Coral was developed from these ideas and follows a global scientific expedition of coral reefs by the XL Catlin Seaview survey. The film looks at the disappearing coral reefs and marine species across the globe and presents the shocking statistics. The rise in the temperature of Earth’s oceans is the main contributor to the bleaching of the coral reefs and Chasing Coral is a well-presented documentary that shines the light on this global problem.

2. Jane

Available to stream on Disney+ (National Geographic)

Jane is a collection of real footage from primatologist Jane Goodall’s time in Gombe, Africa captured by Hugo van Lawick and the National Geographic in the early 1960s through to the 1970s. The documentary showcases the early career of Goodall and her studies into the natural behaviour of chimpanzees, along with her time spent furthering her understanding of other wild animals in the Serengeti. Jane provides a real insight into Goodall’s personal life and how she came to dedicate her later years to raising awareness of environmental damage affecting the chimpanzees in Gombe, which continues to the present day.

3. Sharkwater Extinction 

Available to stream on Amazon prime

Sharkwater Extinction is a film directed by the late conservationist, Rob Stewart. The documentary exposes the shark-finning trade and shark meat industry in places like Costa Rica, the Bahamas and America. Sharkwater Extinction is a sequel to Stewart’s 2006 film Sharkwater. It isn’t necessary to have seen Sharkwater to watch the sequel and understand the global problem, along with the conservation efforts Stewart dedicated his life to.

Sharkwater Extinction was released posthumously after Rob Stewart died in a diving accident during filming. The documentary was completed by the Rob Stewart Foundation and released at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival.

4. Seven Worlds, One Planet

Available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Seven Worlds, One Planet was originally broadcast on BBC One in late 2019. The documentary series, narrated by David Attenborough, explores the 7 continents of planet Earth with each having a dedicated episode.

The biodiversity of each continent is explained, along with its history and wildlife. There are, of course, baby animals and some of the species experience some very tense situations during filming! Attenborough explains how climate change and human behaviours are impacting each continent individually with him stressing the need for balance between conservation and the needs of human beings.

5. A Plastic Ocean

Available to stream on Netflix

A Plastic Ocean is a documentary film, directed by journalist Craig Leeson. It raises awareness of the effects plastic pollution has on sea life, animals and human beings worldwide. The film aims to inspire the viewer to do more and presents working solutions that are already being used in different areas around the world.

“From knowing, comes caring. From caring, comes change.” (A Plastic Ocean, 2016)