Abstract:
The research delves into how climate change is depicted within the mainstream media, emphasizing three key queries: How does popular culture present images of climate change and their outcomes? What narrative techniques are utilized for these depictions? Furthermore, what influence do they have over public understanding and interpretation? The TV program “Extrapolations” is a practical example of dissecting unique presentation approaches and evaluating repercussions that emerge from such representation. This study examines the influence on the viewers, the perspectives, behaviors, or belief systems that are either contested or promoted, and the broader socio-cultural, political, ideological, historical, artistic, or rhetorical matters involved in the portrayal. The study posits a notable correlation between popular media and the public’s comprehension and interpretation of climate change, exerting a considerable impact on attitudes and actions about environmental concerns. The results of this study have the potential to enhance understanding regarding the utilization of popular culture as a means to facilitate climate change education and foster awareness. Subsequent investigations could explore the efficacy of various media modalities in effectively communicating messages related to climate change, as well as the possibility of implementing interventions to augment their influence.
Keywords: Climate Change, Popular Culture, Media Depiction, Public Perception, Climate Change Education, Climate Change Awareness.
Introduction
Global climate change is an expansive phenomenon with significant implications for nature, economic frameworks, and social establishments. However, fully grasping and tackling this issue implies far from straightforward endeavors, especially in shaping public awareness and understanding. Climate fluctuation has been progressively tackled in well-liked culture, including films, television series, and comic books, among other forms of “commonplace entertainment.” Such mainstream media outlets and popular cultural manifestations can mold mass perception regarding the matter at hand – our changing weather patterns (Wonneberger et al., 2019).
This study examines how popular culture portrays climate change and its effects. It analyses these portrayals’ narratives and their possible impact on climate change perception and understanding. We will spotlight a specific TV show called “Extrapolations,” analyzing how it has been represented and what this representation means or results in. Popular media profoundly affects how the public understands and views climate change, often shaping their attitudes and actions toward ecological matters. This research will scrutinize its sway over the audience – be it in challenging or endorsing certain behaviors, convictions, or mindsets, remembering to account for broader socio-cultural aspects like political standing, ideology history of ideas, and rhetoric artistry employed in these portrayals.
The research findings have the potential to enhance comprehension regarding the utilization of popular culture as a means to facilitate climate change education and foster awareness. Subsequent investigations could explore the efficacy of various media formats in effectively communicating messages related to climate change, as well as the possibility of implementing interventions to augment their influence. The foundation of this study rests on the assertion that comprehending the influence of popular culture on public perception and comprehension of climate change is crucial for effectively addressing the matter. The research seeks to illuminate how popular culture can educate and raise awareness of climate change. It aims to contribute to climate change conversation and its effects.
Climate Change in “Extrapolations”
The anthology drama “Extrapolations” examines world climate change from multiple perspectives through interconnected plots (Calma, 2023). Many of the show’s forecasts are based on real-world science. The series also explores controversial conservation notions like de-extinction, which revives endangered species. The season occurs in the year 2037. During this time, there is an increase in global temperatures by almost two degrees Celsius when compared to weather patterns from before the industrial period. While the alteration mentioned above may appear insignificant, it carries profound implications for the existence of life on our planet (Calma, 2023). As a consequence of such significant warming, around 99 percent of coral reefs are projected to disappear.
Individuals also face terrible consequences due to increasingly harsh weather patterns, heightened fire seasons, and escalating seawater levels. As temperatures around the world increase to 2 degrees Celsius, nearly 70% of our planet’s shores endure a rise in sea level by approximately 0.66 feet. Severe storms from the tropics, particularly those classified as Category 4 and 5 hurricanes, are growing more common. The extent of wildfire-affected regions in the Mediterranean experiences an annual increase of 62 percent. Approximately 388 million individuals worldwide are confronted with the issue of water scarcity. The Paris climate pact requires governments to limit temperature rise to “well below” 2 degrees Celsius, a significant milestone. More than 1 degree Celsius has risen globally. Unfortunately, current strategies predict a global temperature of 3 degrees Celsius by 2100.
In episode 2, climate change pressures vulnerable species, threatening their extinction. Sienna Miller plays a researcher for a company that preserves genetic material from endangered species in this episode (Bauck, 2023). The objective is to eventually “reintroduce these organisms.” De-extinction is a highly contentious concept within the field of conservation. These programs are characterized by excessive promotion and a need for more substantial outcomes (Calma, 2023). In the event of a successful endeavor, it is essential to note that the revived organisms would not be exact replicas of the extinct species. The technology being utilized involves the creation of hybrids through the utilization of distant relatives of the species. Imagine a pachyderm adorned with a dense hair coat, possessing a cranial structure characterized by a prominently elevated dome. According to scientists interviewed by The Verge, species extinction prevention must be prioritized. Around one million species of animals and plants are at risk of extinction, more than ever before.
The third episode occurs in 2047 in soggy Miami, where rising sea levels threaten a synagogue. Miami’s sea level is expected to rise at least two feet by 2060 and six feet by 2100 (Calma, 2023). The issue threatens Miami-Dade County’s existence. Over 877,000 people live below six feet above sea level (Calma, 2023). Seawalls protect vulnerable communities from floods, but they can crumble under stress. The UN panel’s climate experts have warned that seawalls may create a false sense of security and increase the vulnerability of low-lying coastal people.
The series’ first episodes argue that seawalls, de-extinction, and desalination cannot solve climate change. However, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced to prevent the worst effects presented in the television series. “Extrapolations” employs several storytelling techniques to explore climate change, encompassing realistic portrayals of environmental catastrophes, scientific inquiry, and interpersonal dynamics, examining the consequences and implications of these depictions (Calma, 2023). How the play represents climate change can substantially impact public perception and comprehension of the matter, thereby fostering a greater inclination among individuals to contemplate the possible ramifications of failing to take action.
The series critically examines and promotes attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs about climate change. The film explores society’s reluctance to face climate change and the consequences of inaction. The subject is shown using socio-cultural, political, ideological, historical, artistic, and rhetorical components. Factors encompass societal views on global warming, the results of failing to act, and common culture’s part in broaching pressing matters.
Conclusion
Investigating how climate change is represented in popular culture, especially within ‘Extrapolations,’ illuminates media’s influence on society’s comprehension of climatic shifts. The series adeptly employs several storytelling techniques to examine climate change, encompassing authentic portrayals of environmental calamities, scientific inquiry, and interpersonal dynamics. Media coverage of climate change can influence public opinion. Such depictions can make people consider the consequences of inaction. The series challenges and inspires by exploring climate change attitudes, actions, and ideas. This series nudges its audience to consider the ramifications of neglecting climate change and ponders why many people hesitate to recognize it.
The film covers an array of essential aspects from socio-cultural, political ideologies, history, and artistry to rhetoric levels. These factors include the public’s perception of climate change, the potential ramifications of failing to take action, and popular culture’s function in facilitating discussions on weighty matters. The results of this study indicate that popular media substantially impacts the public’s comprehension and interpretation of climate change, molding their attitudes and actions about environmental matters. This study enhances the comprehension of the potential of popular culture as a means to facilitate climate change education and raise awareness.
However, this study has drawbacks. The study focuses on a television series; thus, its findings may not apply to other media. Furthermore, the series’ influence on the viewers is subjective and might differ depending on individual viewpoints and personal encounters. Subsequent investigations may explore the efficacy of various media modalities in effectively communicating messages related to climate change, as well as the potential for interventions to augment their influence. This study could also investigate the varying impacts of popular culture’s depiction of climate change on distinct demographic cohorts.
References
Bauck, W. (2023, March 17). “Extrapolations” is the climate TV show we’re finally ready for. Grist. https://grist.org/culture/extrapolations-climate-change-tv-show-apple/
Calma, J. (2023, March 17). The real (and sometimes controversial) science behind Apple’s Extrapolations. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/23643667/apple-extrapolations-show-science-guide-climate-change
Wonneberger, A., Meijers, M. H. C., & Schuck, A. R. T. (2019). Shifting public engagement: How media coverage of climate change conferences affects climate change audience segments. Public Understanding of Science, 29(2), 096366251988647. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963662519886474
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