Few propaganda films lead directly to policy change, but many make an impact on how society perceives certain issues. But, global warming movies have become a movement unto their own playing to people's concerns about the environment.
ALERT: Is Global Warming a Hoax? Vote Now
In a study conducted by the department of communication and journalism at the University of Maine, Bridie McGreavy and Laura Lindenfeld analyzed three films that feature global warming as a major theme: “The Day After Tomorrow” (2004), “Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy” (2008), and “An Inconvenient Truth” (2006).
- “The Day After Tomorrow,” a fictional film directed by Roland Emmerich, illustrates the destruction of the planet following the rapid effects of global warming.
- “Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy,” directed by Randy Olson is a so-called mockumentary that explores the chaos surrounding global warming by referencing Hurricane Katrina.
- “An Inconvenient Truth,” an Academy Award winner, is about former Vice President Al Gore’s campaign to educate society about global warming and its detrimental effects on the planet. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, the film portrays Gore’s message via a comprehensive PowerPoint slide show.
“All three have their hidden agendas. None of the films is peer-reviewed science...obviously. Nevertheless, such storytelling does have an impact on popular culture and public perception regarding a given issue,” reports
ScienceDaily.com.
VOTE NOW: Are You Concerned About Global Warming?
Other global warming movies that have entered the climate change conversation include:
- “The 11th Hour,” narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, explores the perilous state of our planet and the means by which we can change our course. Noted scientists and politicians contribute dialogue to this film.
- “Who Killed the Electric Car?” was released in 2006 and explores the reason why gasoline-free cars disappeared. Perhaps, as a result of this film, electric and hybrid cars are, once again, popular and back on the road.
- “Out of Balance: ExxonMobile’s Impact on Climate Change” (2007) examines the influence the oil company has on governments across the world and postulates what can be done about global warming.
- “Meat the Truth”(2008) draws attention to one of the most important causes of climate change: overproduction of livestock.
Though these films may raise public awareness of the issue, there’s still a large divide between public perception and policy change as is evident of the recent appointment of Sen. Ted Cruz, a global warming denier, to chair the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
URGENT: Do You Think Global Warming Is a Hoax? Vote Here Now!
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.