The Nature of Film

The way the media portrays the environment can affect how society views climate change and related issues. Film and media provide a broad perspective on the world and many people learn about climate change through media exposure. Climate change content can evoke a range of negative emotions, such as anger, grief, despair, fear, and guilt, collectively known as “climate anxiety” or “eco-anxiety.” Evidence from the Annual Review of Environment and Resources suggests that worry about climate change and recognition of its risk can motivate pro-environmental action. However, people must believe that their individual actions can mitigate environmental risks for them to take action. 

Films that depict greenery and wildlife are important for raising awareness of environmental issues and communicating potential solutions. Environmental films can be political documentaries that advocate for nature preservation by showing critical behaviors for mitigating climate change. These films are a powerful tool for educating, engaging, and inspiring the public to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and support environmentally protective policies. By using storytelling, films about the environment can bring attention to pressing issues and foster a sense of shared responsibility, which can help bring society together for a more sustainable future.  

Prior to the 1910s, film and photography portrayed the natural world in a more scientific and objective manner, but after the 1930s, a more narrative, Hollywood-style approach took over. This shift was partly due to advancements in technology that allowed for more sophisticated special effects and sound design, which made it easier to create immersive and dramatic portrayals of nature. One of the most significant examples of this shift is the 1938 film “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” which was one of the first films to use Technicolor, a new color film process that allowed for rich and vivid images. “King Kong” is often cited as an example of the Hollywood approach to nature because it uses the natural world as a backdrop for an epic adventure story, rather than as the main focus of the film. The film's portrayal of nature is highly stylized and often exaggerated, with lush jungle foliage and dangerous creatures creating an atmosphere of danger and excitement.  

Overall, the shift from a scientific and objective approach to a more narrative approach to depicting the natural world reflects broader changes in the film industry and in society's attitudes towards nature and the environment. Seeing nature in films can evoke a sense of belonging to the planet and interdependence with the natural world, which is crucial for inspiring environmental activism and the protection of life on Earth. Mainstream movies, such as Disney's “Wall-E,” can subtly inspire climate activism messages and have a significant impact on society through education and inspiring change through storytelling. This animated film highlights the importance of taking care of the environment and promotes the idea of living sustainably. It shows how the lack of care for the planet can lead to devastating consequences, such as loss of biodiversity, air pollution, and climate change.  

Discussions of climate change can be overwhelming, so presenting the issue in films can attract a wider audience and increase knowledge among those who might not otherwise be interested in learning about the topic. 

For inspiration to initiate conversations surrounding climate change, check out this list of documentaries and blockbusters:

1. Don’t Look Up (2021)

2. Princess Mononoke (1997)

3. The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

4. Before the Flood (2016)

5. Eating Our Way to Extinction (2021)

6. 2040 (2019)

7. Burning (2021)

8. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

9. An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

10. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020)