Lessons from a year to change the world (Greta Thunberg 2021 Documentary) with A Year to Change the World Discussion Questions written by the Ent on 4/29/2021 This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Watch
Movie: Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World
Rating: not rated (we would suggest 13+)
Genre: Documentary
Length: Three 1 hour episodes
Age suggested : 13 and up
Release Date: April 22, 2021
Themes: Climate Change, Social Responsibility, Science
Warnings: Though non-violent, some people are shown in dire situations (escaping forest fires, going through flood water, etc).
Quick Summary of A Year to Change the World (Greta Thunberg 2021 Documentary)
18 year old climate activist, Greta Thunberg, takes a year away from school in order to meet with climate experts around the world. She explores many different ways that climate change has affected the everyday lives of millions of people while also showing what changes must be implemented to prevent further harm. The documentary isn’t entirely heavy and gloomy though, as it seeks to answer the question ‘What can we do about it?’.
A Year to Change the World Review
Greta Thunberg has been a polarizing figure to many people due to her outspoken nature. A Year to Change the World does a fantastic job at showing what Greta is truly fighting for while also humanizing her as more than just a passionate activist. There are so many issues that are tackled in this documentary and many possible solutions which are discussed. All of the issues are under the blanket of claimte change and its effects on things around the world.
–Why Watch A Year to Change the World–
Whether you have followed Greta through her entire activism career or have never heard her name, there is so much to be learned from this documentary. There are several action items presented in each of the three episodes. This ranges from small tangible things you can do in your personal community and larger campaigns that can be supported through word of mouth or financially. A Year to Change the World does a fantastic job at showing that the issues are serious, but there is room for hope as long as we are willing to take action now.
5 Lessons from A Year to Change the World (Greta Thunberg 2021 Documentary)
-Everyone is needed in order to make a change
In order to make global change, we need every possible voice and ally in a movement towards ‘climate justice.’ It will take many individuals keeping the biggest corporations and governments accountable for their actions. Without this, there is a very good chance that nothing will get done because when left to their own devices, governments and corporations want profit, disregarding what their actions may be doing to the planet or people.
-The world is more inter-connected than we may have thought
In each episode, there are multiple issues that are tied back, one way or another, to climate change. From forest fires to the clothing industry, climate change is affected by and affects so many different aspects of our everyday life.
-It’s not too late to make a positive change in the climate
Greta consistently talks about the carbon budget and how we are nearing the end of it if we continue on the path we are going down. Despite this, there is hope for carbon reduction through the actions of individuals, corporations, and governments. It would have been easier if we had noticed and take action on this decades ago, but we still must use the time we have to do what we can.
-We must act now in order to prevent further harm
As mentioned before, the Carbon Budget is something that must be taken seriously. There is only so much carbon that our planet is willing to take on. Some things, such as icebergs, have already received irreparable damage (even if all carbon was eliminated, we would still have no way to recover 20%-30% of the icebergs we had). If we want to have the chance to prevent more damage, action must be made now.
-The least responsible for climate change are often the most vulnerable to its effects
Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking aspects of this documentary was seeing how real people’s lives were affected. In one of the most poignant scenes, we see African citizens having to wade through flood waters. They were having to personally handle the effects of climate change while living in a country that contributes the least to the problem. It’s a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences beyond just ourselves and our own communities.
5 Action Steps to Take Today
- Look at what your household is doing to contribute to the carbon budget and find ways to reduce (Recycling, water conservation, electric, etc.)
- Find organizations and activities in your community that are working towards a greener planet and get involved.
- Spend time learning the facts about climate change in order to best use them to discuss with others.
- Use your social media presence to spread awareness of the issues that are currently facing our planet and engage in conversations to further the cause.
- Donate time or money to organizations that are working to fight for climate justice. Greta regularly highlights companies that need donations to help with climate change on her instagram.
A Year to Change the World Discussion Questions
- Which environmental issue brought up in this series were you least informed about?
- Why do you think people are so easily ignore/undercut the views of Greta?
- Does everyone in your family/do you believe that climate change is real? What do you think has led to this current belief?
- What little changes in your everyday life can you implement to help out with climate change?
- What are bigger ways you could get involved in your community in order to help combat climate change?
Favorite Quotes
“We can act, but we don’t have time to wait”
“People don’t want to talk about the climate. So, they make it about me.”
“Hope doesn’t come from words. Hope only comes from action.”
Thanks for checking out our Greta Thunberg 2021 Documentary review. Before you go, check out these other posts:
–Michelle Obama’s Becoming Netflix Special Review with Discussion Questions
-Greta’s Books No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference and Our House Is on Fire
–Brene Brown: The Call to Courage
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