We empathise with animals with big eyes - it’s a well known fact that governs the design of stuffed animals the world over, illustrations in children’s books, and, crucially, the way we fund conservation efforts. Still, he has written a book which he argues that since Snow White and her little birdy helpers graced the silver screen in 1937, Disney has helped generations of children develop “a critical awareness of contested environmental issues”. The idea, it seems, is that by empathising with little Bambi (orphaned by an evil huntsman) and Nemo (separated from his family by the evil aquarium trade), children will grow up to be more environmentally conscious individuals. Silent Spring normally get a large chunk of credit for the 1960s greenies, but hey - maybe those who read her book were primed to act on it because they’d watched Bambi on a loop when they were wee toddlers. read more

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