UMaine Researchers Study Climate Change in Movies, Science Codex Reports

Science Codex reported findings published by University of Maine researchers Bridie McGreavy and Laura Lindenfeld of the Department of Communication and Journalism suggest films that feature climate change can affect public understanding. The researchers analyzed three films that feature global warming prominently and wrote about their findings in the International Journal of Sustainable Development. They found the films often include problematic and limiting identity politics, which commonly reiterate racial, gender and sexual stereotypes. “It is not just about rational, fact-based reasoning but about making and using films to challenge dominant stereotypes, change social institutions, and empower citizens more broadly,” McGreavy said. Press-News.org also carried the report.