As an organization that works to fund environmental defenders from around the world on some of the most pressing issues of our time, it’s no surprise that our staff are passionate individuals who often continue to read up on relevant topics in their spare time. For those interested in grassroots activism and environmental advocacy, our leisure-time media sources might interest you as well. We’ve compiled a list of relevant books, films, and podcasts that we’ve been checking out lately. Feel free to add your top picks in the comments.
What We’re Reading
1) Flammable: Environmental Suffering in an Argentine Shantytown: Written by Javier Auyero, this book tells the true story of 5,000 people living next to one of the largest petrochemical compounds in Argentina, a polluted river, a hazardous waste incinerator, and a landfill.
2) How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature: Based on science and indigenous cultures around the world, this book for parents and teachers offers tips for strengthening the bond between your child and the environment.
What We’re Watching
1) Unbroken Ground: A new film from Chris Malloy explores the role our food choices play in impacting climate change. We’re especially looking forward to seeing the film because the tagline reads, “Revolutions start from the bottom”.
2) Keepers of the Coast: This documentary follows the Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance in their efforts to protect marine territories along the central coast of British Columbia, one of the most biologically rich places left on earth. We’ve recently supported efforts led by this group, specifically their work to uphold the oil-tanker ban for the Great Bear Rainforest.
What We’re Listening To
1) “Water’s Worth”: Lesotho is a country that historically has benefitted from a large amount of rain and snow, and previously sold water to the neighboring country, South Africa. Then a drought hit. This Planet Money podcast examines water as a resource in our changing world.
2) “The Bright Continent: Rethinking Modern Africa”: This Tiny Spark podcast spotlights Nigerian-American journalist Dayo Olopade, who travelled to seventeen countries across sub-Saharan African in two years to find out how ordinary people are addressing challenges they face on a daily basis. Olopade discusses the future of Africa and the importance of engaging with the continent’s young people, sharing ideas that align with our Youth on Climate campaign.