Documentary Overview and Core Facts
Before the Flood is a 2016 documentary film produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, Fisher Stevens, and Trevor Davidoski. It premiered at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C., and was released on the National Geographic Channel and streaming platforms shortly after. The film runs approximately 96 minutes and documents DiCaprio's role as a United Nations Messenger of Peace focused on climate change. It was funded by National Geographic Studios and distributed by Netflix and traditional broadcasters in multiple territories. For a financial breakdown and production details, see the National Geographic documentary page Before the Flood documentary page.
The documentary was directed by Fisher Stevens and written by Mark Monroe, with cinematography by multiple National Geographic photographers. It was produced under the banner of Appian Way Productions and National Geographic Studios. The film features interviews with scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, Pope Francis, and Elon Musk. It was shot across multiple continents, including the Arctic, Indonesia, India, and China, over a multi-year period. The film was later made available for free streaming by National Geographic to increase public reach.
Climate Themes and Economic Data
The film highlights the economic costs of climate change, citing estimates from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank on GDP losses linked to carbon emissions. It discusses the decline in renewable energy costs, noting that solar photovoltaic module prices fell roughly 90 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. Before the Flood also documents the financial risks of fossil fuel assets and references stranded asset analyses from financial regulators and think tanks. For broader context on energy transition economics, see the International Energy Agency report World Energy Outlook 2023.
Before the Flood examines corporate and government responses to climate risk, including carbon pricing mechanisms and green bond markets. It shows DiCaprio meeting with leaders at the Vatican, the United Nations General Assembly, and the Paris Agreement negotiations. The documentary references the growth of ESG assets under management and the rise of climate-focused investment funds among large asset managers. It also highlights deforestation-linked supply chain risks for commodity traders and food companies. For related financial disclosures, see the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission climate risk guidance SEC climate disclosures.
Reception, Distribution, and Ongoing Relevance
Before the Flood received widespread media coverage and was viewed by millions through National Geographic's platforms and partner services. It was shortlisted for environmental media awards and cited in discussions on climate communication by organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme. The documentary remains a reference point for public education on climate science and clean energy transitions. For audience reach and impact metrics, see the National Geographic documentary page Before the Flood documentary page.
The film continues to be used in educational settings, corporate sustainability training, and climate advocacy campaigns. It is frequently referenced in discussions about the financial risks of climate change and the growth of the clean energy sector. Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation and related climate initiatives have continued to fund scientific research and policy engagement after the documentary's release. For updates on climate finance and related investments, see the International Monetary Fund climate policy page IMF climate policy.