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To mark the end of the global climate conference COP26 that took place earlier this year, we are taking a look at Hollywood’s recent history of turning eco anxiety into entertainment. And asking ourselves whether the emerging genre of climate fiction – or “cli-fi” – can play a positive role in the fight against climate change?
Nowadays, most people accept that climate change is real and consider it a major threat to our futures. Yet many of us continue our high-carbon lifestyles and hope for the best. So why don’t we get our butts off the couch and take action?
Research suggests it comes down to a failure of imagination. Climate change is mostly invisible. Yes, we can see the immediate effects such as more regular heatwaves, floods and storms. But we cannot see CO2 or feel changes in average global temperature.
So might Hollywood movies about climate change help us “see” global warming? And can films, novels and maybe even art inspire us to take action – even as we relax on that comfy couch?
I find it interesting how you identify that a lot of cli-fi does not have a lasting effect on its audience in any ground-breaking way, and also contrast it with South Park which I think has quite a frightening level of influence over its own fanbase. I think you’re right and that the vast majority of people who consume media will either get the message or not, and if they do they’ll either agree or disagree, they might reflect on it a little, but will ultimately continue going on with their lives. Reactionary shows/films – which I feel are more likely to align with climate change deniers – such as South Park on the other hand definitely seem to put their fans in a sort of echo chamber where they feed back to one another and reinforce one another’s views, to the point where they can become quite dangerous to any kind of remotely progressive issue.
With that in mind, assuming that cli-fi has only a semi-noticeable effect on its target audience and is used as ammunition for reactionary climate changer deniers, do you think that it would be more beneficial to the movement for advocates not to use films as a way of raising awareness, or do you think that would just be ‘letting climate change deniers win’?
Good question. The most direct answer I can give is that art is not and should not be a substitute for direct action. But the media we watch does influence us. Think of how many cops have the punisher’s skull symbol on their cars or clothing. This is I think the power of media. I disagree with the phrasing that not doing so is ‘letting the deniers win’ and more ‘our loss’.Propaganda is a hugely important tool for any movement, and it’s use goes beyond ‘raising awareness’. TLDR; if a better world is to be created, we should probably start thinking about what it would look like.
Do you think the majority of people are still in denial about climate change, and if so why is this the case?
I think every day more people are accepting that climate change is real, however just because more people believe does not necessarily mean more is being done. One easy answer, of course, is that it’s all just too much to think about, especially with more immediate economic concerns. It can cost a lot of money to do some of the right green things.
Do you think that having the media portray ideas about climate change make the problem seem dramatised or less realistic. D
Do you think that having the media portray ideas about climate change make the problem seem dramatised or less realistic.
Do you think that having the media portray ideas about climate change makeS the problem seem dramatised or less realistic. If so, what do you think is the best way to spread awareness
I think there is only so far scientists can go in presenting data and appealing to people’s rational intellect. To really make change, to touch people’s hearts, the key is to be able to tell compelling stories – stories of what climate change means, how we understand it, and what kind of futures are possible. Right now I am not sure that movies are really hitting the mark. They tend to frame the issue too negatively, focusing on catastrophe, disaster and dramatic changes happening overnight – which is not the case.