Scene-Setting
Why change matters
We need rapid and urgent action now to address the climate, nature and justice crisis. Meaningful change and action will happen if rooted in the understanding that:
Climate change is a systemic issue, interconnected with social, political and economic factors, all of which drive its causes and effects.
We are overexploiting and damaging the ecosystems upon which we depend and losing biodiversity at an unprecedented rate. Climate change leads to biodiversity losses, which in turn leads to further climate change. We cannot solve one without the other.
The climate and nature crisis disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people and communities, those least responsible and less equipped to adapt to its consequences. Its impacts exacerbate the inequity and injustices in which this crisis is rooted. As such, climate justice needs to be an integral part of climate action.
The screen sector must take meaningful positive action on the climate, nature and justice crisis. It is crucial it adapts, builds resilience, and responds to the concerns of its audiences and communities, telling stories which help them understand why it is so important to act, and showing how we can do it. The BFI already recognises this, as evidenced by the inclusion of environmental sustainability as one of three principles which underpin its Screen Culture 2033 strategy and its National Lottery Strategy 2023-2033. Read more about BFI’s environmental sustainability principle here and its declaration on climate and ecological emergency here.
86% of cultural audiences are worried about the climate crisis, and 72% think cultural organisations have a responsibility to influence society about the climate emergency.
— Indigo Act Green Report 2024
Scene setting: Resources
Environmental Reporting for BFI National Lottery Awardees
Some BFI National Lottery awardees must report environmental impacts. Find out who needs to report and get guidance on how to do it.
Find out more
BFI Sustainable Screen Climate Literacy
The causes and consequences of the climate, nature and justice crisis and what the screen sector can do to affect meaningful, positive change.
Watch the webinar
Act Green 2024: Report
The Act Green 2024 report reveals UK cultural audiences’ climate concerns, expectations, and guidance for organisations’ sustainability strategies.
Read the report
Equity for a Green New Deal Ten Commitments
Ten Commitments on reducing the environmental impact of TV and film, created by members of Equity for a Green New Deal.
Read the 10 commitments
The UK’s first review of the Creative Industries and Net Zero
In partnership between JB, BOP Consulting and Creative Industries PEC, a sector by sector overview of the creative industries and net zero.
Find out more
Creative Climate Charter
A commitment from the UK Creative Industries to mobilise ambitious action on the climate and biodiversity crisis.
Read more
albert – Climate Content
A creative guide to world changing stories – inspiration and opportunities to deliver meaningful, strategic, environmental audience engagement.
Find out more
Creative Climate Justice Hub
A library of climate justice resources curated by Julie’s Bicycle for the arts and cultural community.
Explore the hub
Where would you like to go next?
Getting Started
Where to start in developing environmental commitment, understanding and action.
Good Practice
What to focus on across key types of screen sector activity ‘beyond production’: exhibitors; screen archives; education, skills and training providers, and; sector support and promotion bodies.
Taking Action
The kind of action organisations can take in different areas from energy and travel to food and digital.
Banner image: Outdoor Cinema (Electric Pedals): Photographer Colin Tonks