When I watched the “Jungle” episode from the “Our Planet Series,” I couldn’t help but appreciate the beautiful filming, excellent narration, and serene music. The whole presentation was calming…but I also couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable.
Despite the gorgeousness of the production of the episode, every scene ended with a version of the same message said in a low-tender voice: “…this species, or forest, or habitat is dying and it is due to human activity.”
While news articles and media outlets often scream and threaten, this film series is more like a parent that calmly sits down with a child and explains and demonstrates why the child’s behavior is unacceptable.
This approach made me ask myself how I might be able to improve things and it also made me consider how I might be able to convey some of this important information to others.
As someone who did not attend the event, just this post made me feel the same way you’re describing. Hopefully increased exposure to the harm we do to other species, with different approaches like you highlighted, will push for change in the human community.
You made a wonderful comparison. The film did explain the importance of preserving rainforests than media outlets typically do. As a science communicator myself, it’s important to recognize these differences and see how the public reacts. Thanks for that observation!