Top 10 Documentaries on Ecological Disasters

Description: Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this documentary features interviews with experts discussing the state of the planet and potential solutions to environmental issues. It's a comprehensive look at the interconnectedness of ecological problems.

Fact: The title refers to the critical moment when action must be taken to avert disaster.

Description: Al Gore's presentation on global warming became a global phenomenon, making this documentary a cornerstone in the climate change conversation. It's a call to action for viewers to understand and address the climate crisis.

Fact: The film was followed by a sequel, "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power," released in

Description: This Oscar-winning documentary exposes the brutal dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan, highlighting the environmental and ethical issues surrounding the practice. It's a gripping tale of undercover journalism and activism.

Fact: The film's director, Louie Psihoyos, used hidden cameras and military-grade thermal imaging to capture the secretive dolphin slaughter.

Description: Photographer James Balog captures the dramatic retreat of glaciers, providing visual evidence of climate change. The time-lapse photography is both beautiful and heartbreaking, making it a compelling watch.

Fact: The film's time-lapse sequences took over three years to capture, showcasing the rapid changes in glacier landscapes.

Description: Focusing on the captivity of orcas, particularly Tilikum, this documentary raises questions about the ethics of marine parks and the impact on both animals and humans. It's a poignant look at the consequences of our entertainment industry.

Fact: The film led to significant public outcry and changes in policy regarding the treatment of orcas in captivity.

Description: Following a journalist and a scientist, this film explores the impact of plastic pollution on the world's oceans, from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to the effects on marine life. It's a call to reduce plastic consumption.

Fact: The filmmakers initially set out to make a documentary about blue whales but ended up focusing on plastic pollution after discovering the extent of the problem.

Description: Josh Fox investigates the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," revealing the contamination of water supplies and health issues in affected communities. It's a grassroots expose of corporate negligence.

Fact: The film's iconic scene shows Fox lighting his tap water on fire due to methane contamination.

Description: This film follows the rangers of Virunga National Park in Congo as they fight to protect the endangered mountain gorillas from poachers, militia, and corporate interests. It's a testament to human courage and the fight for conservation.

Fact: The filmmakers were detained by the Congolese government during production, highlighting the real dangers they faced.

Description: This documentary links climate change to national security, showing how resource scarcity and climate-induced conflicts could destabilize global peace. It's a sobering look at the geopolitical implications of environmental change.

Fact: The film was screened at the United Nations and has been used in discussions on climate policy.

Description: Leonardo DiCaprio travels the world to explore the effects of climate change, from melting glaciers to deforestation. It's a visually stunning and informative journey that calls for immediate global action.

Fact: The film was produced by National Geographic and features interviews with prominent figures like Barack Obama and Pope Francis.