There's no shortage of documentaries that explore climate change and global warming. They're a great way to see and understand the impact of climate change on people and the planet, learn more about a range of topics, and get inspired to take climate action.
We've rounded up a collection of climate change documentaries and videos from the past few years for you to watch, or share with friends and family.
While it's not always easy watching, most of these documentaries are practical and often hopeful. They present solutions to the issues around climate change and show actions that governments, organisations, and individuals can – or already are – taking to help.
1. Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet
Released on Netflix in May 2021, this documentary is based on a book with the same title, written by scientists Owen Gaffney and Johan Rockström. In it, David Attenborough and Professor Rockström look at the science behind our impact on the planet, and the nine limits we need to stay within to protect our world. It’s available to watch on Netflix.
2. The Year Earth Changed
The Year Earth Changed focuses on the global lockdown and its impact on nature. It shows how the smallest changes in human behaviour – reducing cruise ship traffic, closing beaches a few days a year, identifying more harmonious ways for humans and wildlife to coexist – can have a profound impact on nature. The documentary was released in 2021 and is narrated by David Attenborough. It's available on Apple TV+.
3. 2040
2040 is a documentary from award-winning director Damon Gameau who is driven by the picture of a future for his 4-year-old daughter where climate change has been solved. In the documentary, Gameau travels around the world speaking with innovators and changemakers and investigating solutions that are available to us now that would help improve the health of our planet. 2040 is available on Apple TV and Google Play.
4. Kiss the Ground
Woody Harrelson narrates this 2020 documentary that explores regenerative farming practices and the potential of soil to capture carbon and help rehabilitate the planet. Basically, the key premise is healthy soil leads to a healthier planet, and Kiss the Ground presents numerous solutions of how we might get there. Kiss the Ground is available on Netflix.
5. David Attenborough: A life on Our Planet
During his lifetime, British naturalist Sir David Attenborough has seen first-hand the monumental scale of environmental change caused by human actions. The 2020 documentary, David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, is his witness statement for the natural world and vision for the future. It's available to watch on Netflix.
6. Before the Flood
Before the Flood is a 2016 documentary on climate change. In it, Leonardo DiCaprio travels to five continents and the Arctic to explore the impact of global warming. He meets with scientists working to uncover the realities of climate change and speaks with political leaders. The documentary also highlights the actions that society and individuals can take to reverse our impact. Before the Flood is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.
7. Just have a think
It’s not technically a documentary, but the YouTube channel ‘Just have a think’ is well worth its place on this list. The channel is dedicated to climate change and sustainable energy and looks at the issues that face society in the 21st century as well as the green policies and technologies that exist to help address them.