The Hidden Climate Crisis In Pop Culture (w/ Mark Bould)

The climate crisis seems to be missing from the overwhelming majority of the popular culture that we consume. But is that really the case?

In this compelling conversation Mark Bould, a distinguished professor of film and literature at the University of the West of England, explains how we might be able to uncover the crisis in TV, books, and film where it isn't obvious at first glance. Bould is the author of The Anthropocene Unconscious: Climate Catastrophe Culture, which challenges our conventional understanding of climate change narratives and encourages us to uncover the implicit climate themes woven into various forms of media. Bould explains in this conversation how science fiction especially can serve as a powerful lens through which we can examine the complexities of climate change and its cultural implications.

Throughout this episode, we journey through a diverse array of media, including the Sharknado, Arrival, World War Z, The Edge of Tomorrow, The Purge, and the Fast & Furious franchise to examine how climate themes appear in unexpected plas. From the explosive rise of zombie films to the nuanced storytelling of literary novels, Bould shares his insights on how these narratives not only reflect societal anxieties but also shape our collective consciousness regarding the climate crisis. Whether you're a film nerd or a climate change champion, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of how fiction can illuminate the biggest challenges we face. 

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