The eco-thriller effect: How popular culture is changing climate conversations
The eco-thriller effect: How popular culture is changing climate conversations
From Avatar to The Last of Us, explore how blockbuster films and series are shaping public opinion and driving the entertainment industry towards more sustainable practices…
Blockbuster movies and TV shows have always been an enormous part of our cultural zeitgeist, though in recent years, they’ve also become powerful tools in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. From James Cameron’s eco-epic, Avatar, to the apocalyptic adventure series, The Last of Us, Hollywood has begun using the power of popular culture to drive home the message of climate change, and the urgent need for more sustainable practices.
Avatar (2009)
By portraying the Na'vi living in harmony with their surroundings, Cameron highlights the unification of all living things and the importance of preserving our planet's ecosystems. The movie's underlying message of environmental conservation is clear: if we continue to exploit and destroy our planet's natural resources, we will ultimately be the ones who suffer the consequences…
Filmmaker Dr Duncan Reekie also points out that this cultural shift has led to a reevaluation of traditional Hollywood tropes, such as the portrayal of nature. He asserts that ‘If we continue to sort of abuse nature, nature will rise up against us and destroy us’. He raises that films Avatar or even films such as WALL-E have ‘the greatest effect on kids as they’re growing up, it plants the kind of radical seed in them.’
Snowpiercer (2013)
In similar ways, the post-apocalyptic thriller Snowpiercer uses its bleak, dystopian setting to underscore the dire consequences of climate change. Picture a world where the snow never melts, the sun never shines, and humanity is trapped in a never-ending train, hurling through a frozen land of waste. This is the setting for Snowpiercer.
The film follows the survivors of a failed global warming experiment as they struggle to survive on a never-ending train. Its main premise, that the world has become so inhospitable that humanity is forced to live on a never-ending train, is a powerful metaphor for the precariousness of our planet’s future. It acts as a stark reminder that if we don't take action to address climate change, we could find ourselves living in a world where such desperate measures are necessary.
The Last of Us (2023)
But it’s not just movies that are driving the conversation around climate change. TV shows like The Last of Us are also playing a major role in promoting eco-consciousness and sustainability. The show is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been eradicated by a deadly virus, leaving behind a wasteland conquered by zombie-like creatures.
Against this backdrop, we follow the story of Joel and Ellie, two survivors who must navigate the dangers of this new world while constantly searching for basic human needs: food, water, and shelter.
What makes The Last of Us stand out is its emphasis on sustainability and responsible resource management. In this world, resources are few, and every decision the characters make has an impact on their chances of survival. As such, the show provides a vivid depiction of the importance of preserving our planet's natural resources and finding sustainable solutions to the problems we face.
As eco-consciousness becomes more and more prevalent in popular culture, it is having a noticeable impact on the entertainment industry. Jake Wolfe, who works for EcoSet, a company that provides sustainable solutions for film and TV productions, introduces the idea of ‘using recycled materials and minimising waste’. The reason for this shift, according to Wolfe, ‘is due to an increased public awareness’.
‘By avoiding disposability in all departments, using metrics to track waste management, and actively recycling and composting’ EcoSet are capable of bringing eco-friendly options to film creators without sacrificing entertainment value.
Films like Avatar have helped to shift the narrative towards a more respectful and sustainable relationship with the environment. The entertainment industry is now making efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote more sustainable practices in response to this growing eco-consciousness.
As our world faces the challenges of climate change, it's crucial that we find new and creative ways to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Enter pop culture! Films and TV series that focus on eco-friendly themes have the power to inspire us to take action by appreciating our planet’s beauty.
The entertainment industry has already started to make progress towards sustainability, but there is still more to be done. We all have a role to play in protecting the environment. Starting with simple changes in our daily lives, like using less plastic, conserving water, and recycling, we can make a positive impact. We can also support companies that prioritise sustainability and advocate for policies that protect the planet.
As consumers, we also have the power to demand more eco-conscious productions and support companies that prioritise sustainability. By working together, we can create a world where sustainability is a priority, and protect our planet for generations to come…