Exercise #4: Documentary Reflection

September 19, 2023 By: Saman Darabian

Media Link: https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/metro-vancouver-lost-6-stanley-parks-of-natural-habitat-in-a-decade

The recent report by the Vancouver Sun highlighting Metro Vancouver’s loss of six Stanley Parks’ worth of natural habitat between 2009 and 2020 is alarming, not just for the residents of Vancouver but also for environmentalists worldwide [1]. This significant loss of 250 square kilometres of natural ecosystems has been primarily attributed to logging, agriculture, and urban development. From a personal perspective, witnessing such rapid loss of natural habitat in an era where the detrimental effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible is deeply concerning. This not only jeopardizes the delicate balance of the environment but also negatively impacts urban and rural communities relying on these ecosystems for sustainability and quality of life. The areas lost are not just land; they are vital pockets of biodiversity, providing countless ecosystem services, from improving air quality to mitigating the effects of climate change.

The documentary “If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front” offers a profound and intimate look into the world of radical environmental activism, particularly through the lens of the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) [2]. The ELF, while controversial, epitomizes the essence of civil disobedience in the realm of environmentalism. Their actions, ranging from property damage to arson, were designed not to harm individuals but to halt and draw attention to what they viewed as egregious environmental degradation. The role of civil disobedience in environmentalism, as showcased by the ELF, has been that of a powerful signal – a flare of desperation and urgency intended to jolt society into recognizing and addressing environmental harm. Civil disobedience, in its essence, is about challenging the status quo and laws deemed unjust. The ELF and similar groups took drastic actions, not for the sake of destruction, but to highlight the more extensive, systemic destruction they saw industries and governments perpetrating against the environment. However, the effectiveness of such actions in bringing about positive change is multifaceted. On one hand, the ELF did succeed in drawing attention to various environmental issues. Their actions prompted discussions, debates, and in some cases, further examination of the activities they protested against. On the other hand, their extreme methods were often labeled as “eco-terrorism”, which sometimes detracted from the environmental message and led to significant legal consequences for members [2]. Therefore, while the methods and outcomes vary, what is evident is that civil disobedience has the power to push environmental issues to the forefront of societal consciousness. Whether it always brings about the desired positive change is debatable, but it undeniably amplifies the urgency and importance of the message.

 

References

  1. Griffiths, N. (2023, September 7). Metro Vancouver lost equivalent of six Stanley Parks of natural habitat in a decade. Vancouver Sun. https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/metro-vancouver-lost-6-stanley-parks-of-natural-habitat-in-a-decade
  2. Curry, Marshall. Director, writer, producer, and Sam Cullman, Co-Director, Producer. “If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front.” 2011. Marshall curry Productions, 1:25:40. https://vimeo.com/58984675