Why television has the power to inspire the action against climate change that we so urgently need

by

Our planet faces serious environmental challenges, and television has a role to play in finding solutions. That’s why major broadcasters like the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, and Sky – a total of 12 across the UK and Ireland – made a commitment at the COP26 climate conference. They pledged to create content that shows viewers what it means to address the climate crisis, and to encourage them to make environmentally friendly choices.

As the lead for climate-related content at BAFTA albert, a screen sustainability group, I’m dedicated to making these goals a reality. We work with the TV and film industry to lower their environmental impact and encourage shows and movies that educate people about climate change.

So, why is television important for addressing climate change? Because studies reveal that most people in the UK – around 65% – rely on TV for information about it. This gives us a powerful chance to encourage positive change.

If you’re skeptical about how powerfully videos can shape our perception of nature, consider Sir Lenny Henry swimming with sharks in last year’s ‘Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters.’ The footage of him surrounded by hammerheads is quite striking.

ITV created the series to challenge the negative views of sharks that started after the 1975 film Jaws sparked a surge in shark fishing, leading to the deaths of many sharks. The series highlighted the fact that sharks are incredible animals, essential for healthy oceans and a healthy planet, in a really engaging way.

The dangers of climate change aren’t limited to the oceans; we’re seeing a widespread crisis affecting nature everywhere, and it’s caused by human activity. While the UK hasn’t experienced changes as severe as places like California or India, we recently saw weeks of heavy rain and major flooding – leading to crop losses and people being displaced from their homes.

Television shows need to start acknowledging the impact of climate change. As producer Dorothy Fortenberry put it, ignoring climate change in storytelling is like writing science fiction – it’s simply not realistic anymore.

Several recent TV series have cleverly incorporated themes of environmental issues. For example, ITV’s ‘After the Flood’ was a crime drama unfolding during a major flood and highlighting local climate efforts. Similarly, Sky’s ‘Under Salt Marsh’ is a detective story set in a Welsh village threatened by rising sea levels.

Simply creating these programs isn’t enough. To truly make a difference, we need to promote them and collaborate with other organizations who can amplify their message. That’s why BAFTA albert is highlighting the importance of impact producers – specialists who create projects that inspire real-world change, even after the show is over.

Inspired in part by the climate change documentary Oceans with David Attenborough – which offered a message of hope and urged people to take action – we timed our release to coincide with the 2025 UN Ocean Conference. We hope this will encourage over 60 countries to commit to the High Seas Treaty, a landmark agreement that aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

I learned after the screening that this film wasn’t just for audiences like me. They actually showed it at 10 Downing Street and offered free screenings to schools – a really smart move, honestly. Even more impressively, they provided resources to help people influence the discussions at the UN conference. And it worked! The treaty the film advocates for was officially ratified in September 2025. It’s rare to see a film so directly linked to real-world change, and that’s a big part of what makes it so powerful.

Sir David Attenborough’s nature documentaries often highlight climate change, but still manage to be captivating and enjoyable. Shows like Ocean demonstrate that this approach can motivate people to take action. Now, many television producers are taking a similar path, incorporating climate-related topics into all sorts of programs.

Even though climate change is a serious issue we all face, it’s not too late to make a difference. With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, it’s a good time to remember that we can take action. Television has the ability to motivate people, and if used effectively, it can help us protect our planet.

Full information can be found on the albert website.

If you’re wondering what to watch, I always recommend checking out the TV Guide and Streaming Guide on their website. And for even more in-depth opinions and reviews – seriously, some great picks – give The TopMob Podcast a listen. They’ve turned me onto some real gems!

Authors

Catherine Ellis

Read More

2026-04-15 11:07