By Mandy Carr, Co-Chair, Education Committee
One reason it is so hard to make progress on climate change is that it involves a complex set of scientific facts and predictions, which can be difficult for people to understand. That’s where stories come in. The ones that are happening in real time, where people are displaced from their homes or even fictional ones. Stories move us. They can move us to act, they can help us understand.
This is why I wanted the young climate leaders who are part of the Sierra Club’s Student Environmental Action Society (SEAS) in NY to watch and discuss the Academy Award-winning movie Flow. It’s about a black cat that loses its home due to a massive flood and has to make friends with other animals to survive and find a new home. It’s incredibly moving, especially if you are an animal lover.
Climate change storytelling is crucial, yet there aren’t many examples of it. The SEAS students were able to name a few: The Day After Tomorrow, Erin Brockovich, Don’t Look Up, WALL-E, and The Lorax. Some students thought the lack of climate change storytelling was due to how hostile the topic is. However, considering the numerous facets of climate change, there are many angles into which writers can tap. Unfortunately, at the moment, studios are relying on big franchises to generate revenue at the box office. Think more Marvel superheroes, Jurassic Park, Scream, and more.
On the small screen, you can at least find mentions of climate change, even if entire shows are not based on the subject. Grey’s Anatomy has mentioned it a few items, but it’s known for hitting on current events. It even had an episode centered on a heat dome and its impact on patients and doctors. Abbot Elementary shows its characters practicing sustainability—teacher Gregory maintains a community garden with the students.
Given the lack of climate change stories, we discussed the types of narratives we would like to see. There are numerous job-related shows with hero journalists, lawyers, police, and others. Where are the ones dealing with climate threats? What about an Olivia Pope of climate change? She handled everything. Imagine a show with a character like her tackling climate change—I would watch that.
What are some of your favorite climate change stories from movies, TV, or books? What stories do you want to see creators telling? Share them with us on social media by tagging @nycsierraclubgroup on Instagram or emailing us.