GUEST COLUMN: 5 Movies That Will Leave You Thinking About Climate Change

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5 Movies That Will Leave You Thinking About Climate Change

by Kevin Gardner

The topic of climate change has worked its way into all types of artistic expression; however, within more recent decades, it has almost become an entire genre in Hollywood cinematography. You can find a bevy of documentaries about relatively any element of climate change, but given the topic's relevance, you've probably noticed it creeping into the plots of everything from science fiction to heartwarming family films. Here are five major films, fiction and nonfiction, that will leave you thinking about climate change.

1. The 11th Hour

In 2007, Leonardo DiCaprio narrated and co-directed this documentary about human impact on Earth's ecosystems. You may not typically sit around thinking about the melting polar ice caps or asking yourself "how does deforestation affect the water cycle," but the makers of this film did. Over 50 leading scientists and many major world leaders discussed the issues facing the planet with stunning evidence. It's aptly named The 11th Hour because the film argues that humans have actually reached their last chance to make the behavioral changes necessary to save the planet. The message is meant to make you think critically of climate change, and you'll recognize many famous actors in the film.

2. Avatar

Avatar is undeniably a box-office success. It's best known for its innovative production techniques and was the highly anticipated follow-up film for Titanic director James Cameron. If you look beyond the stunning cinematography and ignore the blossoming love story, you'll find that the film's message about Earth is very relevant. It's set several years in the future and depicts a dying Earth, forced into ruins by an amalgam of ozone depletion, overpopulation and global warming. While it's unlikely that humans will find another planet populated with giant blue people and overflowing with resources, the film does give you pause to think about what could happen to Earth. 

3. Home

Home is a French documentary made popular for its visual content. It's full of incredible aerial views of Earth and informative commentary on how humanity has affected the planet's ecosystems. It's meant to be a humbling display of Earth's beauty and wonder while providing you with insight into both its power and fragility. The first part of Home might appear a little scary. It warns dramatically of the dangers of climate change. However, the second half is an optimistic take on the future. Rather than focusing on the destruction humans can cause, you leave feeling like you can do something positive for the environment. 

4. Interstellar

The words climate change are never actually mentioned in Interstellar, but the implications are easily deduced. The story follows a former engineer turned farmer named Cooper through a journey to find a habitable planet. Like most of the films on this list, it is set in the future at a time when Earth's resources are scarce, and the population is in danger of starvation. Most of Interstellar plays out like a thrilling space odyssey, but the beginning is cinematic magic that can leave you pondering your role in our environment. Real-life scientists have mentioned the Dust Bowl conditions you see in the film as a potential effect of climate change; the visual is enough to make you reflect on the possibilities.

5. WALL-E

When WALL-E was first released, the director denied the movie's message on climate change; however, 13 years later, it has become increasingly obvious in its relevance. The basic plot of the film follows a robot, tasked with cleaning the empty planet, around Earth in solitude. After 700 years, he develops a kind of curiosity and loneliness that tugs on the heartstrings. 

The family-friendly film plays out like a lesson on the dangers of overconsumption. When the robot finally finds humans, they are depicted as infants in a satiric attempt to show the dangers of a world of pure convenience. The director clearly wanted you to feel a sense of responsibility and think about your part in the environment.

Conclusion 

Whether you're looking for something informative or entertaining, you'll find yourself thinking about climate change after watching any of these films. While some may be bleak, many take an optimistic turn in the end. You may even find them inspiring!