New Free Environmental Footage Library Available

A new free footage library, Open Planet, backed by Studio Silverback, has been unveiled at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Launching globally in early 2024, Open Planet is set to enable free access to high-quality, scientifically accurate environmental footage. An early version of the library is now live, aiming to unlock existing barriers in scaling up communications about the climate crisis.

The fast-growing library features footage and data-led visuals produced exclusively for Open Planet, as well as cinematography contributed by filmmakers and producers, helping to build a comprehensive free library of climate and nature footage.

Open Planet was created for Studio Silverback, part of All3Media, in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab, creators of interactive, data-driven stories about our planet using the EarthTime platform.

Colin Butfield, executive director of Studio Silverback and director of Open Planet, said: “As filmmakers, we know stories can be powerful agents of change, and with the window for action rapidly closing to address the planetary emergency, there’s never been a greater need for compelling, authentic storytelling. Open Planet will not only present the causes and impacts of climate change and nature loss but also the incredible ingenuity of those driving innovation to keep crucial sustainability targets within reach.”

Gabriel O’Donnell, principal programmer for EarthTime, said: “EarthTime is excited to partner with Open Planet because we believe the combination of compelling on-the-ground video narrative, coupled with the best of insightful data visualizations, can make the state of the world undeniable. We believe that visually convincing evidence of change, both micro and macro, will move people forward from questioning reality to embracing the fact that we all have an immediate responsibility to act in the best interests of our one planet.”

The announcement of Open Planet coincides with the halfway point for implementing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as political leaders currently review progress and accelerate actions towards 2030 targets.

Caroline Petit, deputy director for the United Nations Regional Information Centre for Europe (UNRIC), said: “At this halfway point of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is crucial to provide all possible tools to supercharge the breakthroughs needed to achieve them. Capturing hearts and minds to motivate action is one powerful way to do so. We welcome this free access to quality, accurate footage that will allow everyone to work together towards a cleaner, healthier planet and dignity for all.”