In a powerful new public service announcement (PSA), legendary actress Meryl Streep is using her voice to promote climate-conscious storytelling. Released on September 23, 2024, the PSA, titled “Want to Tell a Great Story,” is a collaborative effort between the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)’s Rewrite the Future initiative.

Tackling Climate Anxiety Through Entertainment

Opening with a question—“Hey, want to see a story about climate change?”—the PSA playfully acknowledges viewers’ hesitation, using clips from popular films like Get Out and The Lego Movie to humorously depict the common avoidance of climate topics. Streep notes that while climate change can be overwhelming, there’s a way to incorporate environmental issues into great stories without sacrificing entertainment value.

Reframing Climate Narratives

Streep proposes a new approach: “Want to see a great story?” She emphasizes how storytelling can tackle important climate issues in genres ranging from drama to comedy and adventure. The PSA highlights various films and TV shows that have successfully woven environmental themes into their narratives, including Avatar, Interstellar, and Moana, showcasing how climate change is already being addressed in mainstream entertainment.

A Call to Action for Filmmakers

Streep ends the PSA with a powerful question: “Want to tell a great story?” encouraging filmmakers and screenwriters to explore climate-conscious storytelling by visiting ClimateOnScreen.org. This platform offers resources for integrating environmental themes into narratives, empowering creators to connect with global audiences through sustainability.

Sustainable Entertainment: Beyond Production

The Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, supported by studios like Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros., initially focused on sustainable production practices. Now, it’s expanding to promote eco-conscious narratives in storytelling, reflecting a broader industry shift toward sustainability both on-screen and off.

Sam Read, executive director of the Alliance, highlights the importance of this shift: “We’re meeting audience demand for stories that address our changing climate, pushing the industry toward a sustainable future.” Daniel Hinerfeld of NRDC’s Rewrite the Future program adds that even subtle acknowledgments of climate realities can make stories more relevant and compelling.

Meryl Streep’s Impact on the Climate Conversation

With her influence and recognizable voice, Meryl Streep’s involvement in this campaign sends a strong message: climate change should be an integral part of modern storytelling. Whether in blockbuster films or smaller productions, environmental awareness is no longer a side issue but a key narrative driver for the future of entertainment.