Nine Earths is an environmental documentary that explores the relationship between everyday events and humanity’s excessive demand for the Earth’s resources. Blending participatory and observational types of documentary, Nine Earths features a mosaic of day-to-day life, using footage shot by collaborators from around the world. The artwork reveals global consumption patterns through the lens of climate justice and takes audiences on an audiovisual journey through multiple locations, highlighting individual voices and stories. Nine Earths looks into the relationships between consumption levels of countries and individuals, cultural differences and similarities, and how we are all inextricably connected
Each year our demand for ecological resources exceeds what our planet can regenerate in that time. For example, the USA consumes the equivalent of five Earths’ worth of the planet’s natural resources in one year, while in Qatar it’s a staggering 9.3 Earths. Globally, people consume an average of 1.7 planet’s worth of resources each year. We maintain this ecological deficit by overusing ecological resources and accumulating waste, primarily carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Instead of presenting overwhelming scientific data and stereotypical imagery of climate emergency, Nine Earths takes a closer look at daily routines of people across the world and draws attention to the accelerating consumption—the driving cause of climate change. Using visual ethnography, imagery, sound, and candid interviews, Nine Earths presents people’s perceptions of consumption and reveals lifestyle choices that, often unwittingly, impact our planet.
“A better world doesn’t begin with me, but with all of us,” states Rutger Bregman in ‘Humankind: A Hopeful History,’ a book that considers how humans can use our inherently good nature to build a better society. Nine Earths steers away from the grip of guilt by sharing insights into global concerns and hopes, hence empowering people to become an active part of the conversation on climate change.
Nine Earths has been developed in collaboration with researchers and scientists across the globe, including Professor Mark Maslin (University College London), Professor Julie Doyle, (University of Brighton), and Professor Kevin Walker (Coventry University). The project is a collaboration between D-Fuse and partners around the globe, including Metal (UK), RMIT University (Vietnam), Maya Chami (Lebanon), Sembilan Matahari (Indonesia), Musica Estranha and Multiplicidade (Brazil).
Nine Earths is supported by the British Council’s Creative Commissions programme which is a series of creative commissions exploring climate change through art, science and digital technology.
Full Credits
Artist, Director, and Creator: Mike Faulkner
Producer: Marek Wolynski
Associate Producer: Vladislav Severtsev
Lead Production Partner: Metal
Production Partners: Maya Chami (Lebanon), Andrew Stiff RMIT University (Vietnam), Adi Panuntun Sembilan Matahari (Indonesia), Thiago Cury Musica Estranha (Brazil), Batman Zavareze, Multiplicidade (Brazil)
Researcher and Concept Advisor: Kevin Walker, Associate Professor of Immersive Media, Centre for Postdigital Cultures, Coventry University
Climate Change Advisor: Mark Maslin, Professor of Earth System Science, University College London, Author of “How to Save Our Planet: The Facts” (Penguin)
Climate Communication Advisor: Julie Doyle, Professor of Media and Communication, School of Art and Media, Centre for Spatial, Environmental and Cultural Politics, University of Brighton
Music Composer: Robin Rimbaud – Scanner
Creative Developer: Toby Harris
Design and Animation Optimization: Ben Sheppee Observatory Creative
Creative Consultant: Glenn Rickwood
Design Advisors: Christian Küsters (CHK Design), Tomi Vollauschek (FL@33)
Strategy & Fundraising Consultant: Cathy Waller
Contributing videographers:AlanJames Burns, Alexandra Severtseva, Alison Hewitt-Haynes, Bui Hoang Ngoc Nhi, Bui Le Mai Tram, Coraci Ruiz, Daze Aghaji, Doan Le Minh Thy, Hal Bishop, Jaison Lara, Jessica Hewitt-Haynes, Jimmy Howe, João de Oliveira, Julia Mozgawa, Le Hoang Phuong Thao, Le Thao Vi, Liling Lu, Mai Thuy Luong, Niloo Sharifi, Nguyen Nhat Chi Mai, Nguyen Quang Khai, Nguyen Thi Khanh Trang, Nguyen Tri Dat, Omar Castaneda, Raphael Makau, Samuel Estovos, Sarah Lord, Sembilan Matahari team, Tabrez Ahmad, Tran Truong Nhat Huy, Victor Rodrigues de Carvalho.
Special Thanks: Jen Porter (Senior Project Manager, Metal), Jenny White, Matthias Kispert, Axel Stockburger, Richard Fenwick, Rosanna Lewis, Angie Dickinson, Ulrich Schrauth, Rutger Bregman, Watershed