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Special Collections:
Forests and Oceans

Forests and Oceans
A Conversation between Sylvia Earle & Jean-Michel Cousteau

Bob Evans of the Academy of Underwater Arts & Sciences convened ocean advocates Sylvia Earle and Jean-Michel Cousteau. They discussed the state of the ocean and actions for positive change, emphasizing that "The diver's voice is an important voice."

This conversation occurred in August 2010 at the Blue Ocean Film Festival in Monterey, California. The content was uploaded on May 18, 2011.

Inspire the Next Generation of Ocean Activists

David Helvarg's "50 Ways to Save the Ocean" program, from the Blue Frontier Campaign, empowers individuals to protect our oceans. We've developed teaching guides for grades 9-12, featured on National Geographic's Ocean Education website, to inspire the next generation of activists. His book is available on Amazon.

We are creating K-2 lesson plans, and funding is vital to complete them, expand educator outreach, and enable presentations by Helvarg and cartoonist Jim Toomey (creator of Sherman's Lagoon).

The Blue Frontier Campaign leads efforts to protect our oceans, coasts, and dependent communities. Support our mission via our crowdfunding page.

Sustainability: How to Make the Best Seafood Choices by Whole Foods

As of Earth Day 2012, Whole Foods Market no longer carries red-rated wild-caught fish in its seafood departments. This initiative supports ocean health and helps reverse overfishing trends.

We prioritize sustainable wild-caught seafood, offering the widest selection from fisheries certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). For more on our seafood sustainability, visit wholefoodsmarket.com/seafood-sustainability-basics.

The Oceans and Global Warming by Steve Palumbi

Marine Biologist Dr. Stephen Palumbi discusses how global warming is transforming our oceans. He highlights rising ocean temperature, acidity, and water levels.

These environmental changes are accelerating, with their effects projected to last for centuries. Corals are among the organisms most severely impacted by these shifts.

The survival of coral ecosystems ultimately depends on the rate at which our climate continues to change.

Julia Butterfly Dateline 2-14-99

This Dateline story, uploaded December 31, 2008, features Julia Butterfly Hill. It documents her 14-month stay in a redwood tree, twenty stories high, to protect an old-growth Northern California forest.

Learn more about Julia at juliabutterfly.com.

Plastic Oceans by ABC Catalyst Australia

Plastic and synthetic debris are silently choking our oceans, posing horrific impacts on marine wildlife and ecosystems. As an island continent, marine debris is particularly important for Australia. Creatures become entangled, drown, or ingest concentrated toxins, jeopardizing the food chain. Plastics also transport and introduce new species into environments.

To address this critical issue, the CSIRO research team spearheaded the world-first Marine Debris Survey, studying plastic pollution along Australia's coastline. This vital research was published on September 9, 2012, by ABC Catalyst.

What is a Gyre?

In OCEAN HEROES, Anna Cummins and Marcus Eriksen of the 5 Gyres Institute explain: WHAT IS A GYRE?

Learn more about protecting our oceans at One World Oceans. You can also explore our special collection, "Plastics in Our Oceans," and find the 5 Gyres Institute's documentary, Plasticized.

Global Forest Watch | Monitoring Forests in Near Real Time

Global Forest Watch (GFW) is a dynamic online system for monitoring forests and providing alerts, empowering people worldwide to manage forests more effectively.

It integrates satellite technology, open data, and crowdsourcing to deliver timely, reliable information. This enables governments, businesses, and communities to take action and halt forest loss.

Created by the World Resources Institute with over 40 partners, including Google and the University of Maryland, GFW receives major funding from organizations like USAID and the Norwegian Climate and Forests Initiative. (Published Feb 20, 2014)

PLASTICIZED by 5 Gyres Institute

PLASTICIZED documents a pioneering scientific expedition focused on plastic waste. It recounts a first-hand journey aboard the Sea Dragon with the 5 Gyres Institute through the South Atlantic Ocean.

This eye-opening film highlights the institute's global mission to study the reality, effects, and scale of plastic pollution worldwide. It was published on December 24, 2012.

First-hand Experience with Plastic in Our Oceans by Roz Savage

British ocean rower and environmental campaigner Roz Savage discusses plastic pollution, labeling it a "man-made global catastrophe." Her solo row from San Francisco to Hawaii provided first-hand experience with the problem's immense scale, including meeting scientists on a "Junk craft" hundreds of miles east of Hawaii to share research.

The core message is clear: we must reduce our plastic use. Each individual can significantly lessen their consumption, making a positive global difference.

This interview, conducted by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv, was published on January 28, 2014. For more information about Roz Savage, visit www.rozsavage.com.

About the PlasticOceans Film Project by Howard Lack

Howard Lack, CEO of the Plastic Oceans documentary project, discusses his fundraising efforts to raise awareness about plastic pollution in our oceans, particularly microplastics. He references UNESCO leaders and naturalist David Attenborough, who believe that public awareness drives problem-solving. The film's core focus is to increase this understanding.

Lack was interviewed in Fall 2013 in San Francisco by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv, Voices of Sustainability.

Plastic Oceans Awareness by Howard Lack

In an interview, Howard Lack, CEO of Plastic Oceans, discusses their film project. This initiative aims to raise awareness about ocean plastic's detrimental effects on wildlife and human health, especially children, as it moves through the food chain.

Lack passionately addresses the impact of plastic toxins on developing nations, the importance of personal responsibility, and the development of solutions. He also highlights recycled plastic's potential as an energy source. Plastic Oceans provides a powerful platform, campaigning for, supporting, and funding targeted solutions to significantly reduce environmental plastic pollution.

Update

While the film was produced under the banner of Plastic Oceans UK, the charity officially rebranded to Ocean Generation in 2021. The documentary, A Plastic Ocean (2017) remains their most significant media contribution to global awareness regarding plastic waste.

You can currently find the documentary on various streaming platforms, including Netflix and Apple TV, or through educational screenings organized by the charity.

Shocking and Very Sad by Doug Allan

Wildlife cameraman Doug Allan, a passionate advocate for the environment and oceans, shares his insights on plastic pollution. In this clip, he discusses the evolving nature of the problem and his personal emotional response to plastic in our oceans.

This video was uploaded on December 29, 2011. Learn more about Doug Allan at dougallan.com.

Stop Buying Disposal Plastics by Tanya Streeter

World record-holding free diver Tanya Streeter discusses her experiences with plastic pollution in our oceans.

She offers a unique perspective on this critical environmental challenge.

American Chemistry Council Viewpoint by Steve Russell

Steve Russell, VP of the Plastics Department at ACC Plastics, emphasizes a shared commitment: plastics should be used wisely, reduced when possible, and recycled after use.

He expresses confidence in achieving these goals, attributing his optimism to the goodwill and collaborative spirit among all parties involved in addressing this critical issue.

Plastic in our Oceans

This three-minute video examines the critical issue of plastic pollution in our oceans.

It also discusses potential solutions to this environmental challenge.

With Knowing Comes Caring by Sylvia Earle

Dr. Sylvia Earle is a National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence, renowned oceanographer, explorer, author, and lecturer. She has been called a "Living Legend" by the Library of Congress and the first "Hero for the Planet" by *Time* magazine.

In this video, Dr. Earle addresses the devastating impact of our plastic addiction on the world's oceans.

The Story of Bottled Water, released on March 22, 2010 in just over five minutes, the film explor

Released March 22, 2010, "The Story of Bottled Water" is a five-minute film exposing the bottled water industry's deceptive practices. It reveals how the industry undermines tap water and uses environmental-themed advertising to mask the vast plastic waste it generates. The film strongly advises avoiding bottled water.

Production partners for the film include five leading sustainability organizations: Corporate Accountability International, Environmental Working Group, Food & Water Watch, Pacific Institute, and Polaris Institute.

For more information on Annie Leonard, visit storyofstuff.org/about/annie-leonard/.

Plastic Seduction by Katrin Peters

Plastic pollution is an alarming global issue, with indigestible debris accumulating rapidly in communities, rivers, deserts, and oceans. Disposable plastics are the primary source. Start today by refusing them.

For more information, visit the [Plastic Pollution Coalition](http://plasticpollutioncoalition.org/). The film "Plastic Seduction," written, directed, and produced by Katrin Peters, further explores this topic. Learn more about her work [here](http://www.dailydifference.org/).

Hilario Saant is a community leader in Kapawi Achuar Territory in Ecuador, South America. He tel

Hilario Saant, a community leader in Ecuador's Kapawi Achuar Territory, shares his firsthand account of oil extraction's devastating impact on his community and the forest.

This interview was conducted in February 2013 by Barry Heidt of Sustainability Action Media, with support from EarthSayers.tv and the Pachamama Alliance. An English translation is currently underway.

EarthSayers are a beacon of hope for our planet. By amplifying the voices of those who care deeply about life on Earth, it empowers individuals and communities to take meaningful action”
— Dr. Elena Rivera
Environmental Scientist and Advocate
 

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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection

“The Thinking Game” is the inside story of DeepMind's groundbreaking AI research, culminating in the Nobel Prize-winning AlphaFold breakthrough. Filmed over five years by the award-winning team behind "AlphaGo," this documentary explores co-founder Demis Hassabis's lifelong pursuit of artificial general intelligence and the rigorous scientific journey from mastering strategy games to solving the 50-year-old protein folding problem.

Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, "The Thinking Game" is now available to watch for free. For those interested in hosting a screening for a classroom, community, or workplace, visit: rocofilms.com/films/the-thinking-game/.

 

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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection