Watch Waking the Green Tiger: A Green Movement Rises in China

Waking the Green Tiger: A Green Movement Rises in China is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the rise of the environmental movement in China over the last few decades. Directed by Gary Marcuse, the film takes a deep dive into China's complex history, politics, and culture to shed light on the factors that have shaped the country's approach to environmentalism and conservation.

The film begins by highlighting China's long history of environmental degradation, which has been fueled by rapid economic development and a lack of effective regulation. Despite this, the film argues, there is a growing movement of activists and citizens who are fighting back against pollution and destruction of the natural world. The film follows several of these activists as they work to raise awareness, challenge government policies, and build a stronger movement for change.

One of the key themes of the film is the tension between economic growth and environmental protection in China. The country's leaders have long viewed economic development as the top priority, often at the expense of the environment and public health. However, as the film shows, this approach is becoming increasingly unsustainable, as pollution and other environmental problems reach crisis levels. Many of the activists profiled in the film argue that China needs to take a more balanced approach, with a stronger focus on sustainability and protection of natural resources.

Another important theme of the film is the role of grassroots activism in driving change in China. Despite being ruled by a single party, China has a surprisingly vibrant civil society, with many NGOs and grassroots organizations working on a range of issues, including environmental protection. The film highlights the importance of these organizations in raising awareness, mobilizing citizens, and putting pressure on the government to take action.

Throughout the film, viewers are introduced to a range of inspiring individuals who are working to create a better future for China's environment. These include activists like Yu Xiaogang, who has dedicated his life to protecting the country's rivers from pollution and overdevelopment, and journalist Dai Qing, who has been jailed for her outspoken criticism of China's nuclear power industry. These and other activists are shown using a range of strategies to build support for their causes, from public demonstrations to use of social media.

Ultimately, Waking the Green Tiger: A Green Movement Rises in China is a compelling and engaging documentary that sheds light on a crucial issue affecting not just China, but the entire planet. Through its insightful analysis and powerful storytelling, the film makes a strong case for the urgency of environmental protection and the importance of grassroots activism in shaping the future of our world. Whether you are already involved in the environmental movement or simply interested in learning more about this crucial issue, this film is a must-see.

Waking the Green Tiger: A Green Movement Rises in China is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes.