“The Earth is a miracle. That which is living remains a
mystery.” This wonderful proclamation is made by the narrator of the movie Home,
a veritable love song to the Earth.
If Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s movie is a celebration of the beauty of our planet
through arresting images of the natural world, its urgent message about the
accelerating and tragic degradation of our world is itself a manifesto directed
at the heart, conscience and intelligence of humanity.
Twenty percent of the Earth’s population consumes 80% of its riches, says the
photographer, who became a cinematographer to respond to the urgent needs of
this cause. We know this, but do we understand the true scale of this reality?
Life on Earth took billions of years to develop into the complexity we know
today and, in the space of 50 years, we have disrupted this balance. “We are in
the process of breaking the cycle of life that was given to us,” we hear in the
just narration of this well-documented movie.
“Everything is accelerating,” highlights the narrator, while the impact of human
activity on the environment is increasingly dramatic. We know this truth, but we
do not want to believe it. Isn’t this denial rooted in another belief: that of
endless progress based on material comfort?
After the planetary launch of the movie, the Home event continues. An invitation
has been extended to as many individuals as possible to view the movie by June
14. The number of people who have seen the documentary will then be compiled and
will serve as a manifesto addressed to the world’s leaders.
Following the film’s release, the David Suzuki Foundation is asking the
population to hold forums and discussion tables on the theme “Imagine the world
in 10 to 15 years.”
These are so many opportunities to reflect on ourselves and the links we have
with nature, to gain an awareness of our responsibilities and to learn from the
world we live in. As philosopher Delia Guzman Steinberg writes, “Studying nature
makes one humble.” If our times demand action, they demand action that is
enlightened by a love of wisdom.
