5 Must See 360 Videos on Environmental Issues
Virtual reality and 360 videos have become a powerful tool to illustrate the impact of climate change around the world. We’ve compiled a list of five must-see documentaries transporting audiences to different communities and places that have been hard hit by climate change or environmental issues.
From the disappearing oases of Morocco under threat of the encroaching Sahara to the resilient community in Nigeria dealing with the aftermath of oil spills, these 360 stories aim to bring audiences closer to the everyday realities brought by environmental issues.
The Disappearing Oasis
In this immersive VR film, produced by Contrast VR and supported by EFI, the viewers have an opportunity to step into the lush oasis in Morocco, that is currently under threat from the expanding Saharan desert. We witness the impact that climate change and improper human practices have had on these remote areas in Morocco. Three residents of M’hamid, representing different social perspectives, show what their lives look like and share their hopes and fears for the future. “I feel there is injustice. Us, in these areas, we do not create climate changes, we just experience the effects”, says Halim who walks around the oasis meeting people and trying to find solutions.
The Future of the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea, situated between Israel, Palestine and Jordan, is one of the saltiest lakes in the world. In this 360 video, we explore how the Dead Sea faces an uncertain future due to both climate change and human practice. The water level decreases by one meter every year as water is diverted for agricultural practices and the acceleration of evaporation, with wide ranging consequences.
Oil In Our Creeks
Lessi Phillips was only 16 years old in 2008 when a Shell Oil pipeline burst pouring an un-assessed amount of oil into the mangrove swamps near her village, Bodo City, Nigeria, for 77 days. The pipeline ran under the creeks of the Niger Delta and the leaking oil devastated the diverse ecosystem, destroying the vibrant local fisheries and farms. It pushed families like hers to find new places to live and sent a once thriving community into a downwards economic and social spiral. Nearly ten years later Lessi has graduated from university and returns to Bodo City where she shows us both the environmental devastation that has impacted her community and also the work that she does with young women to revive hope as the community grapples with its long road to recovery.
Mangrove Man of India
Appa Rao has been nicknamed the ‘Mangrove Man’ of India for his his work in conserving and restoring India’s mangroves. His efforts have been recognized as the largest in the country, and includes educational programmes where he teaches local communities about the importance of mangroves. In this immersive 360 video, meet Appa Rao as he takes you around the mangroves and explains the work he does to protect them.
Mexico’s Endangered Bacalar Lagoon
Mexico’s Bacalar lagoon is a breathtakingly beautiful freshwater lagoon that is facing threat from a rise of tourism and unregulated development. Resorts are being built as locals fear their home being transformed into the ‘Miami of Mexico,’ pollution is being found in the pristine fresh water, and tourists and boats are disrupting the ecosystems. Step into the waters through this 360 video and witness how the lagoon is being impacted.
