Cumberbatch documentary urges working with nature but may lack practical guidance
The documentary 'How to Live on Earth' hosted by Benedict Cumberbatch showcases innovative solutions like natural asset companies that could value ecosystem services. While the cinematography is praised, the reviewer finds the narrative somewhat sentimental and the global examples may leave viewers unsure how to act. The film aims to shift the conversation from warning about environmental perils to highlighting win-win approaches.
The documentary opens with Chinese farmers manually pollinating pear trees using feather dusters, a consequence of pesticide-driven bee decline. This visual serves as the film's central metaphor for humanity's broken relationship with ecosystems. Producer Jonnie Hughes previously collaborated with David Attenborough on "A Life on Our Planet" and once created a biodiversity short that former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson presented to G7 leaders.
Central to the film is the natural asset company concept, where investors purchase equity in ecosystems, potentially generating revenue through carbon credits, biodiversity offsets, water provision, or sustainable harvests. Hughes is currently screening the documentary to Wall Street investors during New York Climate Week, aiming to reframe sustainability as opportunity rather than sacrifice.
The documentary could influence how business leaders and policymakers perceive environmental action, potentially shifting corporate conversations from compliance toward investment opportunities. By framing ecosystem restoration as financially viable through mechanisms like natural asset companies, it may encourage new capital flows into conservation. However, viewers seeking concrete personal actions might find the global examples overwhelming, and the sentimental tone could limit its credibility with skeptical audiences. Its impact likely depends on whether financial audiences respond to the proposed market-based solutions.