A new study led by Rice University’s Matthew Schneider-Mayerson reveals that climate change and other environmental issues are notably absent from most popular films despite their increasing urgency. The study, “The Presence and Portrayal of Climate Change and Other Environmental Problems in Popular Films,” was published in Environmental Communication and represents the first large-scale analysis of environmental content in fictional narratives.
“We used quantitative content analysis to examine how often climate change and other environmental issues appeared in the most-watched films of the past decade,” said Schneider-Mayerson, associate professor of English who specializes in environmental studies. “It’s not just about numbers — it’s about understanding how media narratives shape public awareness and action.”
Schneider-Mayerson and co-authors Jerald Lim, Moya Stringer, Adria Wilson, Zoky Zhou and Dominic Bellido analyzed 250 of the most popular films released between 2013 and 2022. They found that only 12.8% of these films depicted climate change, while other environmental problems, such as air pollution, deforestation and species extinction, appeared in 19.2%.
“Popular films are more than entertainment; they’re cultural touchstones that frame how people see the world,” Schneider-Mayerson said. “I’m passionate about studying these narratives because they play a crucial role in public engagement with the climate crisis.”
The study examined portrayals of environmental issues such as freshwater and marine pollution, toxic waste and biodiversity loss. The results show a clear disconnect between real-world environmental concerns and the stories depicted in popular films. Even when these topics appeared, they were often presented briefly with their urgency and gravity minimized.
“By analyzing patterns across hundreds of films, we’re mapping the cultural conversation around climate change or, in many cases, the lack of one,” Schneider-Mayerson said. “This research is about holding a mirror up to the stories we tell and asking what they’re teaching us about the world’s most pressing crisis.”
The study also revealed differences based on genre and distributors. Science fiction and adventure films were more likely to include environmental themes, while comedies and dramas seldom did. Streaming studios, including Netflix and Amazon MGM Studios, were twice as likely as traditional Hollywood studios to feature climate change in their content.
The research highlights the importance of narrative engagement in environmental communication. It underscores the need for diverse, accurate depictions of climate change and other environmental challenges to inform and engage audiences.
“Popular media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions,” Schneider-Mayerson said. “By incorporating climate realities into mainstream storytelling, filmmakers can contribute to a deeper cultural understanding of these issues.”
For more information or to schedule an interview with Schneider-Mayerson, contact Brandi Smith, media relations specialist at Rice, at 713-348-6769 or brandi.smith@rice.edu.