Ep 3. A Fierce Green Fire

A Fierce Green Fire, the third episode of the 27th season of American Masters, is a documentary film that gives a comprehensive history of the environmental movement in the United States. The episode covers five distinct phases of environmental activism that occurred between the late 19th century and the present day, highlighting key environmental issues and movement leaders along the way.

The first phase, taking place between the late 1800s and early 1900s, saw a rise in public awareness around conservationism and the establishment of national parks. This section of the episode touches on the work of influential figures like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt, and discusses the ways in which their actions laid the foundation for decades of environmental advocacy.

The second phase centers on the environmental movement of the 1960s and 70s, which focused largely on countering the effects of industrial pollution and corporate negligence. This section of the episode features interviews with key activists like Lois Gibbs and Robert Bullard, as well as footage of some of the most significant environmental disasters of the era.

The third phase, which occurred in the 1980s, saw a shift in focus towards issues of global importance like climate change and nuclear energy. The episode explores the work of organizations like Greenpeace during this era, and tells the stories of key figures like Chico Mendes and Wangari Maathai who fought to protect rainforests and promote sustainable agriculture.

The fourth phase, happening in the 1990s and early 2000s, saw the emergence of a new generation of activists who embraced technology and the power of the internet as tools for organizing and raising awareness. This section of the episode examines the role of groups like the Rainforest Action Network and the Center for Biological Diversity in leveraging innovative communication strategies to mobilize support for environmental causes.

Finally, the episode turns its attention to the present-day state of the environmental movement and the challenges that lie ahead. While acknowledging the significant progress that has been made over the years, the episode also highlights the ongoing threats facing the planet and the need for continued activism and advocacy.

Overall, A Fierce Green Fire serves as a powerful testament to the power of grassroots activism and the enduring importance of environmental advocacy. Through a combination of interviews, archival footage, and compelling storytelling, the episode provides a nuanced and deeply moving look at a defining social movement of the 20th century and beyond.