Giving Compass' Take:

Children Nature Network interview David Conover, director of "Behold the Earth" and his approach for the film that focuses on childhood environmentalism and the intersection between religion, activism, and the environment.

Who is the potential audience for this film? It seems to hit many different individuals across generations--who will feel the most connected to the messages?

Read about the connections between children and environmental sustainability.


In the new music-rich film “Behold the Earth,” director David Conover seizes upon Richard Louv’s observation in “Last Child in the Woods” that most committed environmentalists can recall one special outdoor place from their childhood, a living place that has informed the core of their activism ever since.

Children and Nature Network had the opportunity to sit down with him and discuss the film:

Why did you decide to make a film with scientists and Christians? 

I spoke at length with leaders in these communities because I (and many others) see an urgency in their work to expand the range of who is considered an environmentalist, and what stewardship requires. These folks have a deep curiosity, an understanding of the scientific method, and a moral grounding. This puts them in a strong position to do this work successfully.

Notwithstanding, I think that the efforts to restore America’s connection to nature require a reset. Maybe we’re now ready to re-examine where the very old stories, music, and words of the Bible retain relevancy today.

In making this film, what did you learn about the range of experiencing nature as a child?

I learned that for many people the special outdoor place does not have to be in a wilderness setting far from humanity.

Why did you talk with both older and younger environmentalists?

I did this for a couple of reasons. Within the broad communities that make up Christian America, there has been a marked decline in membership, particularly among the young. Ben Lowe spoke to me about this: “I know that there are Christians– people in my generation- who have left the church disillusioned because they don’t think that the church cares about the things God placed on their hearts, like the environment.”

Read the full article about Behold The Earth at Children & Nature Network