December 9, 2020- Science education that gives students the information necessary to take powerful actions against our multiple environmental emergencies is critical. Read about Earth Overshoot’s recent work with the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). How did attitudes about population shift after one just one viewing of 8 Billion Angels?
On November 14, Earth Overshoot virtually screened 8 Billion Angels to 85 science educators from across the country via a partnership with the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). The NSTA is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.
Twenty teachers completed the post-event survey with fourteen teachers rating it “Excellent” with a 5-star rating, five giving it a 4-star “Very Good” rating , and one person rating it “Average” with 3 stars. All twenty teachers indicated that they would recommend the film and discussion event to others.
After watching 8 Billion Angels and participating in a Q&A with the filmmaker, 75% of respondents in the survey cited overpopulation as the greatest threat to the environment with just 5% stating climate change. The results showed a remarkable 500% shift in attitudes by educators regarding the most pressing issue facing our environment.
Just as importantly, when asked if they would be likely to act to address unsustainable population growth with any of Earth Overshoot’s proposed “solutions,” almost all of the respondents indicated they intended to: support organizations that raise awareness about and advocate for a balance between population levels and natural resource as well as support organizations that provide family planning and advocate for girls education and women’s empowerment. A significant number also indicated that they would consider choosing to have a small family based upon what they now knew about the connection between unsustainable population growth and the environmental degradation. We were thrilled by these results as it confirmed the power of our documentary coupled with engaging discussion to change minds and motivate action.
IF YOU KNOW OF A SCHOOL, COMPANY, COMMUNITY GROUP OR OTHER ORGANIZATION THAT COULD BENEFIT FROM EARTH OVERSHOOT’S ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS, PLEASE CONTACT US HERE AND WE WILL WORK TO CREATE AN ENTERTAINING AND IMPACTFUL EVENT.
