A groundbreaking TV drama is needed to tackle the pressing issue of climate change, sparking important discussions and inspiring action.
The Missing Voice on Climate Change: Where is the TV Drama?
UK show Adolescence sparks debate about social media‘s harm. We need a series to tackle climate change, a crisis that demands attention.
Climate change refers to significant long-term changes in the Earth's climate.
It encompasses rising global temperatures, more frequent and severe weather events, and altered precipitation patterns.
Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial agriculture contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change.
According to NASA, 2020 was one of the hottest years on record, with global temperatures increasing by 1°C since the late 19th century.
The 'World Meteorological Organization' reports that the past decade was the warmest on record.
By Bethan Ackerley
As I watch UK TV dramas like ‘Adolescence’ spark conversations about social media and its impact on teenage boys, I am left wondering: where is the drama about climate change? This pressing issue affects us all, yet it remains largely absent from our screens. It’s time for a TV series to move the dial on climate change.
The Power of Storytelling
‘Adolescence’ has been widely praised for its thought-provoking portrayal of online radicalisation and social media’s influence on young men. The show’s creators, ‘Jack Thorne’ and ‘Stephen Graham’, have tapped into the complexities of this issue, sparking important discussions about misogyny and toxic masculinity. If a TV series can tackle such a nuanced topic, why not climate change?
Climate Change: A Crisis That Demands Attention

The UK Prime Minister recently met with the Adolescence team to discuss online radicalisation, demonstrating that politicians recognize the importance of addressing these issues. Meanwhile, climate change continues to ravage our planet, causing devastating economic damage and threatening the very fabric of our societies.
A Call to Action
We need a TV series that tackles climate change head-on, using storytelling to raise awareness and inspire action. By exploring the human impact of climate change, such a show could educate audiences about the consequences of inaction and motivate them to make a difference. The time for climate drama is now – we can no longer afford to ignore this crisis.
The Future of Climate Storytelling
As the UK’s Conservative party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has recently shown, even those at the highest levels of politics are beginning to take notice of climate change. It’s time for TV dramas to follow suit, using their influence to raise awareness and drive change. The missing voice on climate change is not just a lack of representation – it’s an opportunity to use storytelling as a powerful tool for social change.
A Call to Action: What Can We Do?
As individuals, we can make a difference by reducing our carbon footprint, supporting renewable energy projects, and advocating for climate policies. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future. The TV drama movement on climate change is not just about entertainment – it’s about inspiring action and driving positive change.
The time for climate drama is now. Let’s use storytelling to raise awareness, inspire action, and move the dial on this critical issue.
- newscientist.com | Where is the TV drama to move the dial on climate change?