Climate change is showing up more often in scripted movies and television, and not only in stories built around disasters or documentaries. According to the report, recent projects have folded in pollution, extreme weather, environmental damage and sustainability concerns as part of everyday plotlines, suggesting the issue is becoming a more familiar part of mainstream entertainment.
The piece highlights how this approach can help audiences connect with climate issues through character-driven stories. Ron Simon, head curator for the Paley Center for Media, says these references matter because they help viewers understand what society is dealing with now, including the scientific, legal, social and personal dimensions of environmental change. He compares the role of climate storytelling today to earlier public-awareness efforts around seat belts and drunk driving, arguing that these themes can make the topic feel immediate rather than abstract.
Among the examples cited are HBO’s “Industry,” Focus Features’ “Bugonia” and Netflix’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” The report also notes that creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky have woven climate-related ideas into “Hacks,” including a conversation between Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels about the climate crisis. Statsky said at the 2024 Hollywood Climate Summit that the subject would naturally be on Ava’s mind and that a show should have something meaningful to say if it is going to take on the work of producing it.
The article also points to broader industry efforts tied to environmental goals. NBCUniversal’s GreenerLight program has helped productions lower carbon footprints, including “Jurassic World Rebirth,” “Wicked: For Good” and “Hamnet.” In addition, Film Independent is introducing the Robert Redford Environmental Vision Award for projects that engage with environmental issues through innovative storytelling. Jill Tidman of the Redford Center says independent filmmakers remain important voices for imagining a more resilient future.
Even with these examples, some creatives believe Hollywood still has a long way to go. Stephen Markley, who wrote on Hulu’s “Paradise” and authored the climate novel “The Deluge,” says the entertainment business is barely addressing what he sees as one of the biggest stories unfolding in real time.
Source: variety.com
