The End of The World: The five best films about the climate apocalypse

The new sustainable development trend (ESG agenda) opened the world to concepts such as organic and ecological goods. Large companies are modernizing their production to reduce their environmental impact. The interests of travelers also change. Tourists began to choose places that support the principles of sustainable development. The film industry is not lagging behind these spheres. Their work is carried out in several directions.

Firstly , world producers have revised the very process of making films. So, the film “The Amazing Spider-Man. High Voltage ” was voted the most environmentally friendly film. Sony Pictures has specially hired sustainability specialists . Thanks to their work, it was possible to reduce emissions by 52% during filming. About 50 tons of the tape's decorations were recycled, and the costumes were donated to shelters in need. The new season of the series "The X-Files" can boast of similar results . The creators managed to send over 80% of the waste for recycling.

During the filming of the series "Doctor Who", the level of energy consumption was reduced. To do this, the producers replaced tungsten lamps with fluorescent ones. Many companies such as Warner Bros. Entertainment, working on an eco-friendly rider. The document says that there is no disposable plastic on set. All installations are powered by renewable energy sources and use energy-efficient lighting.

Secondly , pressing environmental issues become part of the plot. The films clearly show the consequences that await the Earth if the 17 goals of the sustainable development agenda are not met. They were formed in 2015 by the UN :

1. Poverty eradication.
2. Zero hunger.
3. Good health and wellbeing.
4. Quality education.
5. Gender equality.
6. Clean water and sanitation.
7. Affordable and clean energy.
8. Decent work and economic growth.
9. Industrialization, innovation, and infrastructure.
10. Reducing inequality within countries.
11. Sustainable cities and towns.
12. Responsible consumption and production.
13. Combating climate change.
14. Conservation of marine ecosystems.
15. Conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.
16. Peace, justice, and effective institutions.
17. Partnerships for sustainable development.

1. The day after tomorrow (2004)

The plot of the film tells about the near future: one part of the Earth suffers from drought, and the other from the water element, which washes away all cities. A climate scientist trying to stop global warming travels to New York. He needs to find his son, who is in an Ice Age city. The fantastic drama shows the viewer what the future of humanity will be like if it does not turn towards protecting the environment.

Sustainable Development Goals to Avoid the Situation: Responsible Consumption and Production, Combating Climate Change.

The problem of global warming has been of concern to the public for several years now. In 2015, the Paris Agreement was even signed. 186 countries and the EU have agreed to cooperate. Russia joined the treaty in 2019. The parties to the agreement have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas levels to zero by 2050.

In some cities and countries, alternative methods of control are used. For example, in London, Los Angeles and Athens, the number of parks increased, and solar panels began to appear on the roofs of houses. Back in Athens, residents began to plant rooftop gardens. This helps to cool the streets of the city.

2. Interstellar (2014)

The plot of the film takes us to a time when drought and plant extinction caused a food crisis. People have nothing to eat and scientists have to find a place where humanity can continue its existence. To do this, they embark on a journey through a wormhole.

The film not only raises the issue of sustainable development but presents the consequences of their implementation in the future.

Sustainable Development Goals to help avoid the situation: responsible consumption and production, combating climate change, preserving marine ecosystems, preserving terrestrial ecosystems.

According to the World Bank, a third of all food on the planet ends up in landfills. Because of this, the global economy loses about $ 1 trillion annually. Moreover, such mismanagement of products and waste is a key source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans. The number of so-called “dead zones” in the ocean rose to 700 in 2019. About 90% of mangroves, algae and marsh plant species, as well as 31% of seabird species, are now endangered.

3. Equilibrium (2002)

The plot of the film takes viewers into the future. The inhabitants of our planet are deprived of the opportunity to express their feelings and emotions. This was done for the sake of one goal - to eliminate war from your life. Art, books and music were banned. Those who break this law will face death and punishment. In order for the society to fulfill the main rule, a special preparation called "prosium" was created. But in any society there are people who bypass the prohibitions.

Sustainable Development Goals to Avoid the Situation: Reducing inequality within countries, peace, justice and strong institutions.

More than 690 million people suffered from hunger in 2019. The number of people fleeing war and conflict exceeded 70 million in 2018. This is a record recorded by the UN over the past 70 years. More than 28 million children of primary school age in the conflict zone do not go to school.

4. 2012 (2009)

In the center of the plot is the prophecy of the Maya Indians, according to which in 2012 the planets of the solar system will be in line with each other. This will cause natural disasters: from earthquakes to volcanic eruptions.

Sustainable Development Goals to help avoid the situation: responsible consumption and production, combating climate change, preserving marine ecosystems, preserving terrestrial ecosystems.

Climate change is the main cause of all natural disasters. Such conclusions were reached by scientists in a report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). As the document says, over the past 20 years, almost 7.5 thousand global natural disasters have occurred in the world. Compared to the previous period, the upward trend is obvious. Most of the disasters occurred in Asia. About 2,000 occurred in the Americas and about 1,000 in Africa.

5. San Andreas Fault (2015)

California is suffering from a massive earthquake, which resulted in a crack in the soil. The main character, the rescuer Ray, will have to travel across the state in search of his daughter, who is escaping a natural disaster.

Sustainable Development Goals to help avoid the situation: responsible consumption and production, combating climate change, preserving marine ecosystems, preserving terrestrial ecosystems, partnerships for sustainable development, sustainable cities and human settlements.

Climate change is a key issue in this disaster film. Because of it, the weather conditions change and the sea level rises. Despite the fact that due to travel bans around the world in 2020, the level of greenhouse gas emissions fell by 6%, this will not change the big picture. The UN believes that the improvement is temporary. Once the global economy begins to recover from the pandemic, emissions will return to higher levels.

To prevent any of the described stories from becoming a reality, countries must unite and work in a common direction. No country can succeed alone, and the transition to a green economy is a long-term investment in the future of all generations.