How Entertainment Can Shape Climate Change Conversations
Climate and pop culture
A discussion airing Tuesday, March 31 at 10 a.m. examines whether emphasizing the hard facts of climate change is the best way to motivate people to act.
The program explores an alternative argument advanced by climate reporter Sammy Roth and other media advocates: if society wants progress on climate issues in energy, transportation and agriculture, it also needs progress in pop culture, media and sports. The idea is that entertainment can help normalize climate-conscious choices by showing them as part of everyday life on screen.
Examples cited include electric vehicles appearing in movies such as *Barbie*, induction stoves on HGTV, and a storyline in *Ted Lasso* involving a team protesting an oil company. Supporters of that approach argue these depictions can make climate-aware realities feel accessible and can encourage viewers to advocate and take action.
Why storytelling matters
The conversation looks at why storytelling in film, television and advertising can have such a powerful influence on audiences. It also takes stock of how climate change is currently being depicted across screen entertainment.
Guests for the discussion are:
- Sammy Roth, author of *Climate-Colored Goggles*, a newsletter about climate and culture
- Tamara Toles O'Laughlin, national climate strategist; founder of Climate Critical, a Black-led climate collective; and board member of Good Energy, an organization focused on Hollywood climate storytelling
- Jessica Kutz, lead climate reporter at *The 19th*
- John Marshall, founder and CEO of Potential Energy Coalition, a nonprofit marketing firm that works to increase public action on climate change