There is a new test in town, and it's grading recently-released movies on their portrayal of the "climate crisis." The test, aptly named the "Climate Reality Check," has been inspired by the widely-known Bechdel Test, which measures the presence of women in movies and other forms of fiction. The Climate Reality Check was developed by Good Energy, a climate change storytelling consultancy, in collaboration with the Buck Lab for Climate and Environment at Colby College in Maine.
In an article by Chloe Veltman for NPR, it is reported that only three of the 31 feature films nominated for an Academy Award this year passed the test. These three films are Barbie, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part I, and Nyad. Documentaries and shorts were not considered for the Climate Reality Check.
Anna Jane Joyner, CEO and founder of Good Energy, described the test as evaluating whether or not the film acknowledges the existence of climate change in its story and if any of its characters are aware of it. The movie must also be set on earth or in the present or future to be eligible for consideration. For example, Killers of the Flower Moon, which addresses environmental concerns, did not make the cut because it is a period piece.
Matthew Schneider-Mayerson, associate professor of English and environmental studies at Colby College and Good Energy's main collaborator on the Climate Reality Check, explained that the test may not pick up on more subtle references to climate change in movies. However, he believes that it is a good starting point, and people can apply it to start a conversation about the portrayal of climate change in films.
The test may not capture all the nuances of representing such a complex issue, but it is hoped that it will encourage filmmakers to include positive climate actions in their movies. Schneider-Mayerson gave an example of characters installing renewable energy in their homes or making the decision to go vegetarian. These actions, although not directly linked to climate change, can still have a positive impact.
The Climate Reality Check has been developed to raise awareness of the importance of addressing the climate crisis in popular media. It aims to encourage filmmakers to use their platform to inform and educate the audience about the pressing issue of climate change. By passing the test, movies can be recognized for their efforts to contribute to the climate change conversation.
Some critics of the Climate Reality Check argue that the test is too simplistic and may miss important environmental themes in films. They believe that the test may limit the creativity of filmmakers and prevent them from exploring climate change in a subtle and nuanced way.
Proponents of the test argue that it is a step in the right direction and can be expanded upon in the future. They believe that it will help draw attention to the need for more diverse and accurate depictions of climate change in film, which can ultimately influence public perception and spark conversations about the issue.
The Climate Reality Check has sparked discussions about the responsibility of the entertainment industry in addressing climate change. Many believe that the industry has a powerful role to play in shaping public opinion and promoting environmental awareness. By incorporating the climate crisis into their stories, filmmakers can contribute to the important conversation about saving our planet.
It remains to be seen how the film industry will respond to the Climate Reality Check and if it will influence the future portrayal of climate change in movies. But one thing is for sure, this new test has brought attention to the issue and ignited important conversations about the role of media in solving the climate crisis.