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Storytelling panel at the Bloomberg Green Festival highlights the power of narrative in climate and environmental advocacy
In the last session of the Green Festival, a panel of writers, producers and scientists discussed the crucial role of storytelling in the climate movement and demonstrated how compelling narratives can drive environmental change.
In short:
- Dr. Shanna Swan presented alarming data on how environmental toxins are affecting human fertility, emphasizing the importance of communicating these issues effectively.
- Scott Z. Burns shared his experience as a producer for the Academy Award-winning 2006 documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth." emphasizing the need to connect emotionally with diverse audiences.
- Anna Jane Joyner highlighted her personal journey from the evangelical community to climate advocacy, stressing the emotional impact of storytelling.
Key quote:
"It's not just males. And it's not just semen quality. Men have other things to worry about, right? They worry a lot about the size of their genitals. They're getting smaller.”
— Dr. Shanna Swan, professor at Mt. Sinai & UCSF and senior scientist at EHS
Why this matters:
Storytelling can bridge the gap between scientific facts and public engagement, making complex environmental issues relatable and communicating urgency. By harnessing the power of narrative, advocates can inspire action and drive policy changes crucial for environmental protection.
To learn more about Dr. Swan’s research into links between toxic chemicals and fertility decline, listen to her fascinating conversation with EHN senior editor Brian Bienkowski.
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Newsletter
Hollywood misses chance to spotlight climate crisis in blockbusters
Despite the climate emergency, Hollywood films rarely address the issue, focusing instead on pure entertainment.
In short:
- The film "Twisters" follows a 1996 disaster movie but avoids climate messaging, focusing on entertainment.
- Studies show that only a small fraction of top-grossing films address climate change explicitly.
- Filmmakers struggle to incorporate climate issues due to fears of audience backlash and perceived difficulty in storytelling.
Key quote:
“I just don’t feel like films are meant to be message-oriented.”
— Lee Isaac Chung, director of Twisters
Why this matters:
Hollywood, with its vast influence and global reach, has long been a powerful tool for shaping public consciousness. However, when it comes to addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time—climate change—the silver screen has often shied away.
Related EHN coverage:
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Top Story
Hollywood’s quest to cut carbon emissions
As climate themes grow in television shows, the entertainment industry tackles behind-the-scenes decarbonization.
In short:
- TV and film productions are significant carbon emitters, especially due to fuel use for transportation and diesel generators.
- The Sustainable Entertainment Alliance promotes greener practices like hydrogen and solar power, sustainable set construction, and reducing food waste.
- Reality TV shows and documentaries are leading the way in showcasing sustainable practices on-screen and off.
Key quote:
“There are so many benefits to the alternatives to diesel generators — one of them obviously being emissions — but they’re also quieter and less polluting.”
— Sam Read, executive director of the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance
Why this matters:
The entertainment industry’s decarbonization efforts can reduce environmental impacts and set a positive example for millions of viewers. As TV shows incorporate sustainable practices, they help normalize eco-friendly behaviors and inspire change.
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Top Story
Researchers aim to boost climate change themes in Hollywood movies
A new study reveals that most Hollywood blockbusters fail to address the reality of climate change, despite public demand for more relevant content.
In short:
- A study by Colby College researchers examined 250 movies from 2013 to 2022, finding that less than 10% acknowledged climate change.
- Films like "Justice League" and "Don't Look Up" passed the climate reality check, while many popular movies did not.
- Streaming services featured a higher percentage of climate-aware films compared to major studios.
Key quote:
“They are portraying a world that is now history or fantasy — a world in which climate change is not happening.”
— Matthew Schneider-Mayerson, Colby College
Why this matters:
Accurate representation of climate change in movies can raise awareness and inspire action. Ignoring it in popular culture perpetuates a disconnect between reality and public perception, hindering efforts to address the crisis.
Be sure to read EHN’s related coverage:
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Amanda Shendruk: Climate change movies shouldn't be about only disaster and apocalypse
Hollywood should play a positive role in the fight against global warming by offering a wealth of stories that help humanity make sense of and address the present and future of life on a dangerously warming planet.
"Don’t Look Up" director donates $4 million to climate activism
The award-winning filmmaker is revisiting his purposeful plot by investing in climate crusaders with a $4 million donation.
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