Documentary Reflection

January 16, 2025 By: Emmanuel Emmanuel. T00681580

Media Item: “The Fight for Old-Growth Forests in British Columbia” (Global News, 2023)
This report covers protests against logging old-growth forests on Vancouver Island. Activists use civil disobedience, reminiscent of historical environmental movements, to draw attention to deforestation. Documentaries like “If a Tree Falls” highlight how such activism has historically driven policy changes (Mitman, 2005). While controversial, civil disobedience has historically been effective in pushing governments toward environmental reforms, as seen in the Clayoquot Sound protests of the 1990s.

Reflection:

Completing these exercises has deepened my understanding of how environmental history shapes current practices and challenges. Researching Vancouver’s ecological past revealed how historical decisions continue to influence today’s environmental policies. Reflecting on my family’s environmental interactions highlighted the generational shift in attitudes toward sustainability. Connecting past conservation efforts to modern urban strategies demonstrated the enduring relevance of environmental history. Finally, exploring activism reaffirmed the role of civil disobedience in driving ecological change. These insights emphasize the interconnectedness of history, policy, and personal responsibility in addressing contemporary environmental issues.

Turner, N. J. (2005). The Earth’s Blanket: Traditional Teachings for Sustainable Living. University of Washington Press.

Worster, D. (1990). Transformations of the Earth: Toward an Agroecological Perspective in History. The Journal of American History, 76(4), 1087–1106.