Climate Reality Check: Analyzing Climate Change Representation in Oscar-Nominated Films
Good Energy has recently published its Climate Reality Check report for the third consecutive year, focusing on the representation of climate change in Academy Award-nominated films. This year, a record number of films have successfully passed the test, indicating a positive trend in climate change visibility in cinema. Good Energy, in collaboration with Rice University professor Dr. Matthew Schneider-Mayerso, developed the Climate Reality Check as a tool to assess the portrayal of climate change in movies, inspired by the Bechdel-Wallace Test for female representation in media. The test evaluates whether climate change is acknowledged in the film's narrative and if any characters are aware of it.
Out of the 50 films nominated for an Oscar, 16 met the criteria of being scripted, feature-length movies set on Earth in modern times. Among these 16 films, five successfully passed the Climate Reality Check: Arco, Bugonia, Jurassic World Rebirth, The Lost Bus, and Sirāt. This represents a 31 percent pass rate, a significant improvement from previous years where only 10 percent and 23 percent of films passed in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Good Energy's founder and CEO, Anna Jane Joyner, highlighted the diversity of the films that passed the test, emphasizing the common theme of ordinary individuals rising to the challenge of addressing climate change in their respective stories.
Producer Patrick Crowley, from the film Jurassic World Rebirth, emphasized the importance of grounding science fiction narratives in scientific authenticity. He stressed the need for storytelling to reflect our current relationship with the natural world and the impact of human actions on the environment. Crowley expressed hope for more films that celebrate individuals dedicated to protecting the planet and highlighted the role of cinema in shaping our understanding of environmental challenges. The success of films like Jurassic World Rebirth in passing the Climate Reality Check underscores the potential for storytelling to inspire positive action and awareness around climate change.
In conclusion, the increasing number of films passing the Climate Reality Check demonstrates a growing awareness and representation of climate change in cinema. These films not only entertain but also educate audiences about the urgent need to address environmental issues. By celebrating the storytellers who bring climate change narratives to the forefront, Good Energy aims to inspire more impactful storytelling that reflects our collective responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.