Chris Packham: Is It Time to Break the Law? review
Channel 4 documentary grapples with 'profound' questions about the 'climate apocalypse'
At the start of this "anguished think piece", the naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham offers his "desperate thoughts about the climate crisis", said Jack Seale in The Guardian. As he speaks, his words are accompanied by the "unforgettable sight" of his face being slowly smothered in "thick, black crude oil" – an appropriate opening to a film that grapples with "profound" questions about how we should be living our lives, now that "the climate apocalypse is here".
With "fires and floods around the world", Packham confesses that he has lost faith in the political system to prevent a catastrophe, and wonders if "radical" activism is now necessary and justified: his interviewees include Andreas Malm, the Swedish author of "How to Blow Up a Pipeline". After all, he reminds us, Nelson Mandela and Emmeline Pankhurst "did not confine themselves to merely asking for change nicely".
Is Packham "dangerous or naive", wondered Anita Singh in The Daily Telegraph. Either way, the "Springwatch" presenter is certainly ignoring the BBC directive that its stars should be cautious about "expressing political opinions" (this show is on Channel 4). Clearly, Packham himself is torn, said Barbara Ellen in The Observer. I, however, remain convinced that he should not "turn to lawbreaking". Like David Attenborough, Packham is in a "uniquely persuasive" position as a mainstream broadcaster to advocate on behalf of the environment. "Surely, to risk losing that influence, that voice, would be hugely counterproductive?"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up to the Arts & Life newsletter for reviews and recommendations
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - May 12, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - tips for Mom, worm regards, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 brain-busting cartoons about RFK Jr.
Cartoons Artists take on candidate suitability, the Kennedy family, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Right to roam: the battle to access England's green spaces
The Explainer A battle is being fought over access to England's green spaces
By The Week UK Published
-
The Idea of You review: 'impossible escapism' starring Anne Hathaway
The Week Recommends Steamy romcom about a 40-year-old who falls for a boy band singer
By The Week UK Published
-
Expressionists: a 'rousing' exhibition at the Tate Modern
The Week Recommends Show mixes 'ferociously glowing masterpieces' from Kandinsky with less well-known artwork
By The Week UK Published
-
The Buddha of Suburbia: an 'orgiastic odyssey'
The Week Recommends Emma Rice brings Hanif Kureishi's 1990 novel to the stage
By The Week UK Published
-
6 stylish homes in Portland, Oregon
Feature Featuring a wall of windows in Collins View and a historic ballroom in Portland Heights
By The Week US Published
-
Tom Crewe's 6 favorite works that challenge societal norms
Feature The novelist recommends works by Margaret Oliphant, Patrick White, and more
By The Week US Published
-
TV to watch in May, from 'Bridgerton' to 'Black Twitter: A People's History'
The Week Recommends The return of an HBO staple, a new series from the filmmaker behind 'Tiger King', and more
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
On the trail of India's wild lions at Sasan Gir National Park
The Week Recommends The sanctuary is a 'roaring' conservation success
By The Week UK Published
-
Recipe: almond marmalade cake
The Week Recommends This syrupy cake can be toasted for brunch
By The Week UK Published