{"id":2299,"date":"2019-04-19T16:52:21","date_gmt":"2019-04-19T16:52:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/?p=2299"},"modified":"2019-11-07T21:46:22","modified_gmt":"2019-11-07T21:46:22","slug":"can-video-save-the-planet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/can-video-save-the-planet.html","title":{"rendered":"Can Video Save the Planet?"},"content":{"rendered":"

This Earth Day, we’re worried about our planet. It seems as though every year brings news of yet another environmental catastrophe, whether it’s an oil spill, rapidly declining populations of pollinators<\/a> and frogs<\/a>, or increasingly extreme weather events<\/a> brought on by climate change.<\/p>\n

Yet, there are signs of hope. More people are conscious of their impact on the environment, and making changes for the better. A large part of why many are finding new motivation to help the environment is video.<\/p>\n

Video shines a light on the far-flung reaches of the world, where many people would never travel on their own. It creates a connection with the plight of animals under environmental distress due to habit loss or other factors. And, as a result, it inspires action in a way that few other sources of information can achieve. Keep reading for our thoughts on why video just might save the planet, and steps you can take to help.<\/p>\n

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Awareness<\/h2>\n

The first step to solving any problem is awareness that the problem exists in the first place. Video has played a crucial role in highlighting environmental issues that otherwise would not get the attention they deserve.<\/p>\n

For example, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010 was said to be on a scale greater than any other spill in history. But what does that really mean? How would you know how bad it really was if you weren’t there to see it?<\/p>\n

There was dramatic video of the disaster unfolding at the surface, but there was also a livestream of thousands of gallons of oil gushing underwater that went on for months. That video feed made sure the catastrophe remained in the public consciousness until its eventual resolution. Footage from the disaster is still used from time to time when offshore drilling is in the news.<\/p>\n

It’s easy to see how a serious problem bubbling under the surface could escape public notice. Video played a key role in pressuring officials and BP to solve the oil leak.<\/p>\n

Our Planet<\/h3>\n

More recently, Our Planet, a Netflix special featuring the venerable David Attenborough, was released. A notable theme running through all the beautiful and remarkable footage was human impact on the environment<\/a>. Hear from Mr. Attenborough why it was important to approach this series differently than past documentaries:<\/p>\n

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\u201dNature once determined how we survive. Now we determine how nature survives.\u201d \u2013 Sir David Attenborough @OurPlanet<\/a> @Netflix<\/a> #ShareOurPlanet<\/a> #OurPlanet<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vJw5POVAf2<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 World Wildlife Fund (@World_Wildlife) April 12, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n