Culture & Entertainment

The report finds that while British audiences generally support more climate-related content in culture, they demand it be 'done well,' avoiding preachy tones and focusing on systemic solutions rather than individual onus. Preferences vary by demographic segment, with some favoring subtle integration and others preferring hard-hitting real-life examples. Audiences respond most positively to fictional characters and real-life messengers who demonstrate authenticity, passion, and a focus on tangible actions, such as solar panel installation or concern for future generations.

• Most people rarely notice climate-related content in culture outside of news and weather, but when they do, it is primarily on TV and in films. Frequently cited examples include Clarkson’s Farm, wildlife documentaries, and dystopian films such as Don’t Look Up and The Day After Tomorrow.
• There is a general appetite for more climate content in culture, provided it is 'done well' and aligns with audience tastes. However, Traditional Conservatives and Dissenting Disruptors are the most resistant to climate content in entertainment shows, fearing 'heavy and preachy' messaging in spaces intended for relaxation.
• Audiences strongly prefer seeing constructive, systemic solutions and the role of government and big business over messages that place the onus on individuals or focus solely on 'pure doom'.
• Preferences for how climate themes are presented vary by segment: Established Liberals, Incrementalist Left, and Progressive Activists prefer subtle integration, whereas Dissenting Disruptors, Rooted Patriots, and Sceptical Scrollers prefer hard-hitting, real-life examples.
• Fictional characters who express concern for future generations or take positive actions are viewed more favorably. Specifically, 53% of survey respondents feel more positive toward characters concerned about the future for their children/grandchildren, and 47% feel more favorable toward characters who install solar panels.
• Trusted climate messengers are characterized as knowledgeable, authentic, and personally impacted (e.g., farmers or health professionals). Examples of highly regarded messengers include David Attenborough, Jeremy Clarkson, and Feargal Sharkey.
• Audiences believe cultural organizations (museums, galleries, theaters) should discuss sustainability even if the organizations have not yet achieved their own sustainability goals, provided they are transparent about their challenges and progress.

APA

Climate Outreach (2026). Culture & Entertainment. https://climateoutreach.org/btc/2025/report/culture-entertainment/

Chicago

Climate Outreach. Culture & Entertainment. 2026. https://climateoutreach.org/btc/2025/report/culture-entertainment/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Outreach |title=Culture & Entertainment |date=29 January 2026 |url=https://climateoutreach.org/btc/2025/report/culture-entertainment/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateoutreach2026culture, author = {{Climate Outreach}}, title = {{Culture \& Entertainment}}, institution = {Climate Outreach}, year = {2026}, month = jan, url = {https://climateoutreach.org/btc/2025/report/culture-entertainment/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }