#134: When is a rom-com a sci-fi?
On climate stories from all kinds of angles
Mōrena, and happy Tuesday!
The majority of people around the world support climate action, and yet it’s still so rarely talked about in our art. Did you know less than 10% of films acknowledge the existence of climate change? Out of 250 popular films between 2013-2022, a study found that only 9.6% passed the Climate Reality Check, a kind of Bechdel test for climate change. I’m not saying every movie needs to be about climate change, but more movies in a contemporary setting should at least acknowledge it. It’s 2024; any modern movie feels unrealistic when it conveniently forgets about the internet or smartphones; and yet by ignoring the inescapable impact of climate change, we’re essentially trying to deck out a modern plot with decades-gone mindsets.
This is where we come in. We have the power to give our attention to media that acknowledges climate change and showcase impactful actions.
Everyday media can either support the changes we need for a fairer, safer future, or it can entrench the status quo. Instead of:
perpetuating myths or ignoring climate change → what about realistic portrayals of climate impact across genres, as suggested by Good Energy Stories?
glorifying polluting lifestyles → how about normalising climate-friendly things like induction stoves instead of gas in home & restaurant scenes, or having main characters cycle or driving EVs as recommended in Rewiring America’s media guide?
These small portrayals contribute to the public’s view of what a decarbonised world can look like. It doesn’t have to look futuristic or overwhelming. A climate-conscious world is within our reach if we commit to telling and supporting the right stories.
What can we do today?
We think the most impactful action you can take this week is to attend the School Strike for Climate this Friday. There’s events all around the motu, and we wouldn’t be where we are today where the vast majority of Kiwis want more climate action without these strike events.
The most-clicked link from last week’s issue was the petition to save our national passenger rail, now at over 12,000 signatures!
🐝 5 minutes: Fossil fools want fossil fuels
There is a growing movement for an international fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. Inspired by the Treaty for the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons which was crucial for reducing the spread of nuclear weapons, this movement is calling for a global transition away from fossil fuels for a better future.
Action: Endorse the call for a treaty (scroll down to the “Who has endorsed” section)
💃🏽 30+ minutes: What do we want? Climate Action! When do we want it? This Friday!
Nationwide, THIS Friday: Invite a friend to the national climate strike this Friday. School Strike 4 Climate’s demands include:
Upholding commitments to the Emissions Reduction Plan
Stop oil and gas exploration in New Zealand
Regulation of international flights and cruises to reduce emissions
Action: Pop this in your calendar, and add a friend or colleague! We’ll see you there!
Online, tomorrow Wed, 7pm: Forest & Bird are hosting a 'Fast-track and beyond' webinar, to give an update on the Fast Track Bill and how you can take action next.
Action: Sign up here to learn about the next steps for this kaupapa
Save the date
Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland, Sat 5 October: Climate Club reader Geoff Ong writes music about the climate. He’s having a gig next weekend, and all Climate Club subscribers get in the draw to win free tickets (he created this awesome reel to promote it). We love it when creatives & climate come together!
Action: Get your friends to subscribe and come to the show!
In case you missed it!
Otago, due 6 October: The Otago Regional Council is taking feedback on their Strategic Climate Action Plan. While we don’t have a submission guide, it’s relatively short and multi-choice! Your feedback will help shape the mitigation and adaptation goals of the ORC, building resilience and enhancing the wellbeing of Otago’s communities.
Action: Have a read of the Action Plan or the ORC’s online summary and submit your feedbackThe government will soon decide what kind of vessels will replace our ageing Interislander ferry fleet. Save Passenger Rail are campaigning for a practical solution to maintain rail-enabled ferry infrastructure - which will help keep heavy trucks off the road.
Action: Join a Rail & Ferries meeting, in Blenheim, Picton, Wellington, or Online
Wins!
The Hague has become the first city in the world to pass a law banning advertisements promoting fossil fuel products and high-carbon services. Inspiration for Aotearoa perhaps?
After dozens of letters to newspapers, calling radio stations, sharing on media, and community seminars, support for the fast-track bill amongst NZ First voters dropped from 55% to 36%. More info on polling here.
That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy this list of climate movies for a relaxing movie night after the strike on Friday!
See you next week,
Jenny & the Climate Club team
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