WaterBear’s free content is inspired not by viewing figures or financial gain, but by the UN sustainable development goals. The service is marking its first birthday with a global expansion
So you’ve re-watched all your dusty DVDs, wrung iPlayer dry and exhausted Netflix getting through those long lockdown evenings. WaterBear could be your next port of call.
The free streaming platform and app is dedicated to the future of our planet, and was created by the executive producer of Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, Ellen Windemuth.
It showcases documentaries and original content that is inspired not by viewing figures or financial return spreadsheets but by the UN sustainable development goals.
Once signed up as members, WaterBear users are able to stream videos at any time, and on any device – all for free – as well as sign petitions and link up with climate organisations through WaterBear’s interactive hub.
The project, which is backed by the likes of Prince Harry, campaigner Lily Cole and actor Maisie Williams, seems to have captured the zeitgeist in the past 12 months.
WaterBear’s managing director, Victor Eckard, told Positive News: “We are so excited by the positive global response since WaterBear launched last December. We are almost a year old, and our engaged community keeps on growing. We’re looking forward to launching more WaterBear Originals around circularity, biodiversity, and all themes related to the UN sustainable development goals. Our continued mission is to drive impact through storytelling.”
WaterBear users are able to stream videos, sign petitions and link up with climate organisations. Image: WaterBear
WaterBear describes its target audience as “semi-conscious” members of the millennial and Gen Z generations, aged roughly between 15-40. “They are aware of the climate issues and the need to do something more but are overwhelmed by how much there is to do, which is a barrier for them,” reads a WaterBear document.
Two originals launched on WaterBear in September: ReDress the Future is a three-part series exploring some of the fashion industry’s most damaging aspects but “tangible solutions” too.
Meanwhile, the Youth Unstoppable documentary covers the rise of the youth climate movement from the perspective of young people. It was filmed over 12 years in nine countries.
Main image: WaterBear
