Chris Packham Discusses Climate Change Communication at MIP London
During his appearance at MIP London, broadcaster and environmental advocate Chris Packham presented his film Greenwashed and expressed a need for broadcasters to improve their communication with the public regarding climate change. He revealed details about the funding of a new climate-focused project, noting that its release on YouTube, rather than through a subscription-based streaming service, was a condition of the financial backing.
The Urgent Message of Greenwashed
Described as a critical call to action, Greenwashed addresses severe threats to humans, wildlife, and the environment. Packham, in collaboration with Dr. Sofia Pineda Ochoa, a physician and filmmaker, confronts some harsh realities about the state of our planet.
“I won’t claim that watching Sofia’s film is enjoyable,” Packham commented. “It confronts the truth, which is vitally important at a time when much of the mainstream media is either distorting it or avoiding it entirely. Ignoring these issues is a failure in public service broadcasting and sets a hazardous precedent.”
Discussing the nature of Greenwashed, Packham noted, “The film is provocative and intentionally so. It’s meant to challenge viewers and spark ideas, which might lead to discussions. These discussions are essential for progress, even if they stem from controversial aspects of the film.”
As an influential advocate, Packham has also participated in significant events like the National Emergency Briefing in the UK, where experts discussed climate change implications with political and business leaders. His extensive experience with the BBC as a presenter of the Springwatch series and other nature programs also informs his insights.
Distribution Strategy for Greenwashed
In a discussion with Deadline, Packham explained that making Greenwashed freely available on YouTube was crucial for securing funding from philanthropists more interested in maximizing viewership than in financial returns or licensing fees.
“I’ve collaborated with financiers who previously invested in projects that ended up restricted by paywalls. Their primary interest lies in the impact of the project, not profit. One such financier, potentially funding a future film project, stipulates no returns on investment but insists the film must be accessible on YouTube to ensure it reaches a broad audience,” Packham explained.
Regarding the film and TV industry’s role in addressing climate issues, he added, “We have talented creators who excel at engaging audiences and crafting compelling content. Now, we must harness this creativity and rethink our communication strategies to effectively address and resonate with viewers on climate change.”
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
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