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The Environment and Climate Change

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Escape From Extinction Image
Escape From Extinction © KALEIDOSCOPE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Covering the wealth of human and animal life on our planet, this film list explores the natural world and our complex, ever-changing relationship with it.

Examining the impression humans have made on the world in both positive and negative ways, it comprises of documentary and fiction films for both primary and secondary audiences featuring topics including climate change, farming practices, ethical considerations, and natural wonders.

This film list encourages students to consider their own impact upon the environment both individually and as part of a wider community as well as provoking discussion and debate as to how we can work together to protect our planet.

All of the films below are available to stream via Into Film+ but some of them (labelled) are only available to Into Film+ Premium users. Find out more here.

Finding Nemo
Available to stream on Into Film+ Premium

CertU

Age group5–14

Duration96 mins

Finding Nemo(2003)

The colourful world of the tropical sea is captured in all its glory in this moving and funny story of a lost fish.

While Nemo is lost at sea in Pixar’s classic adventure tale, his father frantically searches the ocean in an attempt to find him. During his pursuit, the audience discovers that not all aquatic life has escaped human interference, with one scene showing the devastating consequences of man-made littering.

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WALL-E
Available to stream on Into Film+ Premium

CertU

Age groupAll ages

Duration98 mins

WALL-E(2008)

A small, rather hopeless looking robot is left alone on Earth to clean up the mess left by humans, in this wonderful Pixar animation.

Five years after making ‘Finding Nemo’, Pixar would turn their attentions to the future – and what may lie ahead for the human race if littering, recycling and other environmental concerns aren’t addressed. This gentle, futuristic cautionary tale shows Earth as a barren landscape with no human life left inhabiting it.

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March of the Penguins
Available to stream on Into Film+

CertU

Age groupAll ages

Duration77 mins

March of the Penguins(2005)

Documentary capturing the remarkable journey the Emperor penguins of the South Antarctic make every winter.

Celebrating nature’s triumph over the odds, this documentary charts penguins’ struggle to raise the next generation in their beautiful but often brutal habitat. This film explores a threatened landscape and opens up discussions on animals and the environments they rely on to survive.

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The Biggest Little Farm
Available to stream on Into Film+

CertPG

Age group7–16

Duration91 mins

The Biggest Little Farm(2018)

Documentary about a married couple who follow their dream of creating a sustainable farm over eight years.

This documentary highlights how animals of all shapes and sizes can thrive as John and Molly’s farm comes together as a perfect ecosystem. It demonstrates the love, care and attention needed in order for their farm to survive and prosper, with so many elements of nature to contend with, and the joy it brings them over many years.

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Over The Hedge
Available to stream on Into Film+ Premium

CertU

Age group5–7

Duration79 mins

Over The Hedge(2006)

On the first day of spring a group of woodland animals are shocked to discover that their forest home has been destroyed by a new housing development.

Following the lives of a skunk, a squirrel, a family of porcupines, an opossum father-and-daughter and a turtle after they awake from hibernation, this film allows young people to see the effect that deforestation can have on animals and their habitats.

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The Lorax
Available to stream on Into Film+

CertU

Age group5–11

Duration86 mins

The Lorax(2012)

Lively adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book, with a strong environmental message amidst the nonsense, riddles and giggles!

Deforestation, respect for all types of creatures and respect for ourselves all run throughout this much-loved story. The colour and vibrancy that runs throughout this film only amplifies our need to preserve the amazing things we have on our incredible planet.

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Ice Age: The Meltdown
Available to stream on Into Film+ Premium

CertU

Age group5–11

Duration87 mins

Ice Age: The Meltdown(2006)

Sequel to the prehistoric animated comedy in which our old friends are in danger of their world being flooded by a melting ice wall.

Dealing with modern fears of climate change and extinction, The Meltdown is, nevertheless, a family-friendly addition to the Ice Age franchise and an easy entry point to understanding the shifting patterns in the climate and how it can effect creatures great and small.

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Hybrids
Available to stream on Into Film+

CertUnclassified

Age group11–16

Duration6 mins

Hybrids(2017)

3D animated short which envisions a future where sea pollution has led wildlife to adapt in unexpected ways.

This impressive and ominous 3D animation raises questions about what the future might look like due to increasing pollution and offers an opportunity to discuss what needs to change.

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The Biggest Little Farm
Available to stream on Into Film+

CertPG

Age group7–16

Duration91 mins

The Biggest Little Farm(2018)

Documentary about a married couple who follow their dream of creating a sustainable farm over eight years.

This documentary highlights how animals of all shapes and sizes can thrive as John and Molly’s farm comes together as a perfect ecosystem. It demonstrates the love, care and attention needed in order for their farm to survive and prosper, with so many elements of nature to contend with, and the joy it brings them over many years.

Read more
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Available to stream on Into Film+ Premium

Cert12

Age group11+

Duration91 mins

Beasts of the Southern Wild(2012)

A beautiful blend of fantasy and drama sees an isolated community threatened by a storm, told through the eyes of a remarkable young girl.

This fictional drama also looks at natural disasters, in this case an impending storm, and the effect it may have on an isolated community in the Louisiana bayou. This slice of magical realism examines the strange and wonderful ways of the natural world through the eyes of a courageous six-year-old girl.

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I Am Greta
Available to stream on Into Film+

Cert12

Age group14+

Duration102 mins

I Am Greta(2020)

Intimate documentary following the influential environmental activist Greta Thunberg and her quest to prevent climate change.

Teenage eco-activist Greta Thunberg is a global icon for her dedication to the cause of preventing climate change in any way we can. This documentary gives insight into her personal life, with intimate access afforded to the filmmakers, as we discover her feelings about the media, her family and other aspects of her life.

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Escape from Extinction
Available to stream on Into Film+

CertPG

Age group11+

Duration89 mins

Escape from Extinction(2020)

Documentary about animal extinction and the organisations working to save endangered species across the world.

Animal extinction is a global issue occurring on such a large scale that it can often be difficult to imagine its severity. This documentary, narrated by Helen Mirren, dives into the problem and the great efforts being taken to preserve animal species across all seven continents such as rhinos, koalas and orangutans.

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The People vs Climate Change
Available to stream on Into Film+

CertUnclassified

Age group11–16

Duration63 mins

The People vs Climate Change(2021)

A documentary following seven members of the UK’s first ever Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change.

This is an insightful documentary about the power of collective action which challenges individuals to set aside their personal politics to find common ground. It allows students the opportunity to see democracy in action, especially in how it pertains to the future of our environment.

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Women of Impact: Changing the World
Available to stream on Into Film+ Premium

CertUnclassified

Age group11–16

Duration44 mins

Women of Impact: Changing the World(2019)

Inspiring documentary about empowering women to work in the fields of science, conservation, and environmental sustainability.

Whilst collective action is one of the most important parts of saving our planet, we must also celebrate the individuals that work so hard in their chosen professions. This documentary takes the time to pinpoint the incredible women at the heart of scientific progress and showcases the many careers students could follow in the field of science.

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2025: The Long Hot Winter
Available to stream on Into Film+

CertUnclassified

Age group11+

Duration10 mins

2025: The Long Hot Winter(2019)

Various Londoners are interviewed during the festive season in 2025, which is a little different from usual due to the effects of climate change.

Sometimes the most effective way to communicate the desperate need for change is through the use of humour. This film is full of wry British humour and funny until the very end when we are reminded of the message at its heart.

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Eve
Available to stream on Into Film+

CertUnclassified

Age group11–16

Duration22 mins

Eve(2021)

A young girl who lives in an off-grid community with her family returns to traditional school.

Eve, the main character at the heart of this short documentary, could be seen as a hero but also demonstrates flaws that help students connect with her. It also discusses the many ways sustainability can be practiced and asks questions about how social norms impact environmental action.

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