"Before the Flood" Reflection

 02/20/2025 - "Before the Flood" Reflection

I recently had the privilege of watching Before the Flood, a documentary film produced and narrated by actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio. The film takes an urgent look at the state of the planet, highlighting the ongoing threats posed by climate change and the human actions driving environmental degradation. With DiCaprio using his platform to spread awareness, the film serves as both a personal journey of learning experiences and a call to action.

DiCaprio travels across the globe to meet with scientists, world leaders, and environmental activists to understand the full extent of the crisis. From the melting ice caps in the Arctic to deforestation in Indonesia, the documentary underscores the widespread impact of human activity on ecosystems. DiCaprio’s encounters with experts like President Barack Obama and Pope Francis add weight to the film’s message of global collaboration and responsibility. I found it particularly striking when Pope Francis emphasized the moral responsibility we all have to protect the earth, a sentiment that resonated with me deeply.

One of the key points of Before the Flood is the overwhelming influence of the fossil fuel industry on politics and climate policy. DiCaprio draws attention to the financial power of these corporations and how they hinder efforts to address climate change. The film emphasizes the need for renewable energy sources and sustainable practices to mitigate the damage that has already been done to the environment. This realization hit home for me when I considered how much of my own daily life is intertwined with the use of fossil fuels—whether it’s driving or using electricity in my home. It made me more aware of the changes I can start making, from reducing waste to choosing more sustainable alternatives in my consumption habits.

What makes the film particularly compelling is its accessibility. DiCaprio doesn’t just present facts and statistics; he shows the personal toll of climate change through interviews with people directly affected by environmental disasters. Moving beyond abstract concepts, the film urges viewers to recognize that climate change isn’t just a distant problem—it’s something that affects everyone right now. The urgency in the film was both daunting and empowering—it was a wake-up call to how real and present the climate crisis is.

Before the Flood’s message, while heavy and often filled with existential concern, is necessary. It urges a shift in public consciousness and behavior, advocating for policy change and a collective effort to address the environmental crisis. The film helped me realize that if each of us takes responsibility for our own actions, the collective impact can lead to meaningful change; it also inspired me to consider how my work and actions could contribute to the betterment of the planet.