Are you still concerned about climate change, but feel like no one’s really talking about it anymore? While it doesn’t get so much media attention anymore, the environment is still a pressing issue- surveys indicate that Brits still count it as a concern, while a poll by Gallup shows that worries about the problem are higher than they’ve been in years. So why the disparity? We’re jumping into the reasons behind the possible change in attitude, and recommending a few climate change documentaries and books while we’re at it.

Shifting priorities

A few years ago, climate change awareness was everywhere- you might be able to measure its zenith by the fact that Greta Thunberg was named TIME Person of the Year in 2019. But world events have seemingly taken our eye off the ball- TIME’s announcement occurred just as Covid was becoming an issue in China, and since then, we’ve had erupting conflicts, economic woes, AI and even more turbulent politics.

The funny thing, of course, is that all of those examples of our shifting priorities can all be connected to climate in some way- from worries about AI’s impact on the environment to recent concerns about the fuel impact of conflicts. Thunberg herself has become an advocate in other areas other than just going green, so is climate change just not a big thing anymore?

A few years ago, climate change awareness was everywhere, but world events have seemingly taken our eye off the ball.

Rufus, Contributing Entertainment Writer

Bad news, old news

It’s no secret we seem to feel swamped by news and current events- The Guardian reported last year that “news avoidance” is on the rise as people seek to find ways out of doomscrolling spirals. Being reminded that “oh yeah, climate change is still a thing…” feels like yet. more. to. worry about. But at the same time, is the climate story simply a bit “played out”, in that it just feels like old news? In 2026, most people either acknowledge that climate is an issue or aren’t likely to be swayed on it anytime soon, so there’s less urgency to spread awareness. Perhaps we’ve also moved on to other things that we feel like we can act on in our own way- we’ve replaced lifestyle changes to help the environment with lifestyle changes to spend less time on our phones and social media, as worries about those have gained more media traction.

Turning a corner?

For a long time, the climate debate (and the reason it was everywhere) was taken up by the fact that we really weren’t doing enough to fix the growing problem. There’s still much to be done- but there are signs that countries around the world are turning a corner on the issue and that things are looking more positive than they were. More green initiatives, cutting down on emissions, and importantly shifting attitudes around the world may be a small reason why climate isn’t in the media as much anymore, but also give hope for the future.

5 documentaries to watch on climate change

Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

The legendary broadcaster (who turns 100 years old this year) has been advocating action and awareness on climate change for years now, and A Life on Our Planet is one of his most enthralling documentaries. Attenborough not only addresses climate change as it’s affecting us now, but also how it has changed the natural world during his long career. A more serious and sober documentary than most of Attenborough’s works, Life on Our Planet is an essential watch.

Where to watch: Netflix

Eating Our Way To Extinction

Narrated by Kate Winslet, Eating Our Way To Extinction takes a look at the modern food industry and how practices that put meals on our tables have hidden costs. The docufilm explores the fishing industry, meat production, and animal agriculture. Figures such as Richard Branson and Bruce Friedrich appear as interviewees, and the doc puts forward arguments for a plant-based diet, which, even if you’re not persuaded, makes for a passionate film.

Where to watch: Sky

Burning

You might remember that, just before Covid all started kicking off in 2020, there was a huge spate of bushfires in Australia. They caused widespread destruction and harm to wildlife and large portions of the landscape, making global news. Burning is an Amazon Prime documentary that goes in-depth into the resulting devastating fallout of the fires, and crucially, how they can be closely linked to climate change. It also examines how political inaction has led the world to such a tipping point.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Before The Flood

This documentary follows Leonardo DiCaprio as he travels the world to examine the impact of climate change on Earth. From melting ice caps in Greenland to deforestation in Indonesia, the film highlights the growing environmental damage caused by human activity. Along the way, DiCaprio speaks with scientists, activists and world leaders, including Barack Obama, to explore potential solutions. Urgent and accessible, it presents a stark warning about the planet’s future while encouraging collective action to address the crisis.

Where to watch: Disney+

An Inconvenient Truth

20 years after it was originally released, Oscar-winning docufilm An Inconvenient Truth still remains worth watching. Laying out the facts about climate change and global warming in a straightforward and blunt way, it follows former US Vice President Al Gore as he tours the world to educate the public about the issue. The film made waves back when it came out, and while advances in scientific understanding and measurements mean some parts are a little out of date, it’s nonetheless a reminder of the salient facts about climate change.

Where to watch: Apple TV



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