Documentary Reflection

March 22, 2024 By: Navraj Randhawa

Considering the book “Canadians and the Natural Environment to the Twenty-First Century,” let’s discuss the role of civil disobedience in environmentalism. 

Firstly, civil disobedience has historically played a significant role in the environmental movement. Documentaries such as “An Inconvenient Truth” by Al Gore and “Before the Flood” by Leonardo DiCaprio showcase the urgency and necessity of direct action to address environmental issues like climate change. Civil disobedience has often been used as a tool to raise awareness, disrupt harmful practices, and pressure governments and corporations to take action.

One recent example of civil disobedience making an impact is the global climate strikes initiated by youth activist Greta Thunberg. These strikes, where students around the world walked out of school to demand action on climate change, garnered significant media attention and put pressure on governments to prioritize environmental policies.

In terms of mainstream and alternative media coverage, mainstream outlets like BBC, CNN, and The Guardian extensively covered the climate strikes, highlighting the growing momentum of youth-led environmental activism. Alternative media platforms such as Democracy Now! and The Intercept provided in-depth analysis and interviews with activists, offering perspectives often overlooked by mainstream media.

My position on civil disobedience in environmentalism is that it can be an effective strategy for bringing about positive change. By disrupting the status quo and drawing attention to pressing environmental issues, civil disobedience can mobilize public support, influence policy decisions, and catalyze meaningful action. However, it’s essential for civil disobedience to be strategic, peaceful, and rooted in principles of justice and sustainability to achieve its goals without causing harm or alienating potential allies.

Article:

Forkey, Neil S. Canadians and the Natural Environment to the Twenty-First Century. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2012.