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 to convert parks and natural areas into residential and commercial properties. My position is firmly in favor of preserving these green spaces. They are vital for maintaining biodiversity, providing recreational areas for residents, and mitigating the impacts of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. The loss of these spaces not only affects the ecological balance but also diminishes the quality of life for the community.

Considering the role of civil disobedience in environmentalism, it’s evident that it has been a powerful, albeit controversial, tool. The documentaries in this course unit have shown how activists in the past used disruptive tactics to bring attention to environmental issues and force policy changes. To further explore this, I researched the Fairy Creek blockades in British Columbia, where protestors engaged in civil disobedience to protect old-growth forests from logging. While the blockades led to numerous arrests and faced criticism for disrupting economic activities, they also succeeded in raising public awareness and putting pressure on the government to reassess its forestry policies (Grant, 2022). This example, combined with the historical context provided by Worster (1990) and Hughes (2016), suggests that civil disobedience can be effective when it captures public attention and aligns with broader social values. However, its success depends on careful planning, public support, and the willingness of activists to face legal consequences.

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