Documentary How to Live on Earth Released on YouTube
The 96-minute environmental film is now available for free streaming to global audiences.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Botany
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Directed by Fredi Devas and narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, the documentary How to Live on Earth was released for free on YouTube on 20 September 2026. The film explores practical solutions for environmental sustainability by working alongside nature.
Why it matters
The documentary aims to shift the narrative from environmental collapse to actionable, nature-integrated solutions. By highlighting diverse projects like indigenous salmon protection and protein alternatives, the creators hope to inspire viewers to pursue sustainable futures.
The documentary spans 96 minutes and features research on big cat populations and alternative protein sources. Data from the South African National Biodiversity Institute shows 16% of 20,248 plant species are threatened.
The players
Fredi Devas
He is the director of the documentary How to Live on Earth.
Benedict Cumberbatch
He is an internationally recognized actor who narrated the documentary from London.
South African National Biodiversity Institute
This is a government research organization that manages and monitors South Africa's biodiversity.
The details
Narrated from London's Natural History Museum, the film presents segments on indigenous salmon protection and big cat research to illustrate how humanity can work with nature. It premiered in June 2026 before its recent move to free streaming.
Timeline
2025: The South African National Biodiversity Institute assessed ecosystem and species status.
June 2026: The film held its premiere.
20 September 2026: The documentary became available for free on YouTube.
The Big Picture
The film aims to provide a counter-narrative to environmental decline by grounding its solutions in the empirical findings of the South African National Biodiversity Institute's 2025 assessment. This approach marks a shift from purely alarmist messaging toward practical, nature-based strategies.
Viewers can access the film instantly on YouTube to learn about practical sustainability projects like alternative protein experiments. Understanding these research areas may help the audience identify and support nature-based solutions in their own communities.
The takeaway
By moving the film to a free platform, the producers have removed barriers to accessing science-backed environmental research. Viewers can apply the documentary's focus on nature-based solutions by researching local conservation initiatives in their own regions.
Further reading
Explore related environmental findings and ecological research at Botany.
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Do you watch documentaries to help decide how you interact with the environment?
