Considering Climate Risk in Film Programming
Even the most carefully planned programs can be disrupted by climate realities. A sudden storm, rising tides, or extreme heat can derail activities that are meant to inspire change. The truth is: no matter who you are or where you’re working, climate risk is increasingly shaping what is possible.
Climate Risks Are Everyone’s Reality
From global industries like textiles to small grassroots projects, climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is here shifting seasons, intensifying storms, and forcing communities to adapt in real time. For those leading local initiatives, integrating climate risk into planning is not optional; it’s essential for resilience.
BlueCommunities on the Frontlines
Our BlueCommunities are experiencing these challenges first-hand. In Ghana, for example, Jennifer Bampoe from Clean Ocean Project Ghana organized A Climate Movie Show, an open community event featuring several films to spark dialogue on environmental issues around Accra. Yet despite careful planning, a major storm rolled in and forced the event to be postponed. It wasn’t even the rainy season, a stark reminder of how unpredictable the climate has become.
While the larger event awaits a new date, Jennifer decided to adapt, hosting screenings with students in local schools to keep the conversation alive.
And Ghana is not alone. In Pakistan, Filmmaker and Climate Activist Emaan Danish Khan, cancelled a meeting due to severe flooding, while also three Trees & Seas Film Festival events in 2024 were cancelled in Riviera Maya when a hurricane passed through.
Lessons in Adaptation
Instead of seeing these disruptions as failures, they must be embraced as lessons. Taking climate risk into account means:
Expecting the unexpected. Storms, droughts, and heat waves may hit outside “normal” seasons.
Building flexibility into programs. Include backup plans that keep engagement alive even if events are disrupted.
Centering local knowledge. Communities like Jennifer’s are already adapting, and their strategies offer invaluable guidance.
Moving Forward Together
Climate change will continue to challenge programming efforts, from community film screenings to large-scale circular projects. But by acknowledging these risks and preparing for them, we can ensure that momentum is not lost when disruptions occur.
This is why climate risk has been cited as a top driver for companies to become more sustainable. Not only to prevent future environmental impacts, but also to strengthen resilience in today’s reality.