Exercise #4: Documentary Reflection
Instructions
For your fourth Exercise assignment, you will make connections between the environmental movement in the recent past and today by considering what you are challenged to learn from documentarians of that movement.
- Find a current or recent report in the mainstream or alternative media of an environmental topic or issue in your local or wider region. As you read/ hear about the issue, consider where you stand on it. Identify your position and your thoughts.
- Use the documentaries in this course unit to reflect on the role that civil disobedience has played in the history of environmentalism, researching one other recent example to defend your answer to the question of whether it works to bring positive change.
Use your research in the mainstream and alternative media from Activity 1 of this unit for this exercise Post the media links and your analysis. Aim for a minimum of 300 words.
Please note, you should write and edit your submission in a separate file then copy and paste it into the submission box. Once submitted to the HIST 3991 trubox site, you will not be able to edit your post.
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Submissions
Fairy Creek Protests
February 23, 2026 By: Clay Roper-Daniels
Dr. Norman Fennema HIST 3991: Environmental History Clay Roper-Daniels Feb. 22, 2026 Exercise #4: Documentary Reflection https://www.cbc.ca/radiointeractives/features/the-fallout-of-fairy-creek I choose the “The Fallout of Fairy Creek” CBC article as my media report because I’ve never heard of the protest before, even though it was one of the biggest in Canada’s history. In 2020 and 2021, the protests in Fairy Creek involved over 1,100 environmental activists who were arrested for stopping logging of old-growth trees in British Columbia. The protestors used civil disobedience strategies like road blockades and tree-sitting to physically prevent tress from being cut down. These forests are largely…
Documentary Reflection
February 18, 2026 By: T00736087
The climate and energy of Canada discussion continues with the article from CBC news titled “Climate and Energy”. They stated about the difficulty of balancing the needs of the economy and environment. While reading, it became clear to me that environmental issues are not just ecological problems, but also political and social problems. I honestly believe in supporting strong and effective possible environmental protections, even if there are some economic consequences in the short-term, because I consider the long-term implications of climate change to be more important than the short-term economic effects. This article also discusses the fact that many…
Exercise 4
February 18, 2026 By: T00783350
Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/the-trans-mountain-pipeline-expansion-was-an-expensive-mistake/ One of the issues that have been prominent in the Canadian media in recent years and are still causing controversy is the issue of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX). This is a project that will increase the capacity of the existing pipeline from Alberta to the coast of BC by three times. As I reflect on the pipeline and its implications, I find myself torn but generally opposed to the pipeline as it is currently allowed. The science on climate change is clear: we must cut emissions quickly to avoid the worst consequences of…
Exercise #4: Documentary reflection
February 17, 2026 By: Capri Holm
Dr. Mark Butorac HIST 3991: Environmental History Capri Holm February 17, 2026 Exercise #4 Civil disobedience, when used appropriately, can have profound effects on public awareness and governmental reform; however, when used inappropriately, can lead to off-topic discussions that hinder original goals. Drawing from Activity One research, a recent display of civil disobedience in my province of British Columbia occurred when citizens, who wanted the old-growth forest on Vancouver Island preserved, created a blockade to prevent access to the upper Walbran, a logging road (Parfitt). To assist their barrier, they created and placed a large wooden cougar sculpture at the…
Exercise#4: Documentary Reflection
January 19, 2026 By: gazal dhall
The environmental movement has deep roots, evolving significantly over time. Documentaries and historical analyses provide a lens through which we can understand the ongoing challenges and the role of activism in shaping environmental policies. This reflection will explore a current environmental issue in my region, examine my stance on it, and consider the effectiveness of civil disobedience as a tool for positive change, drawing insights from course documentaries and additional research. In Surrey, British Columbia, a significant environmental concern is the preservation of urban green spaces amidst rapid development. As highlighted by recent reports in local media, there’s increasing pressure…