The C Word

THE C WORD allows the key players and powerbrokers to speak for themselves over four decades of climate controversy: From the scientists of the late 70s whose predictions prove startlingly accurate, to the political will of Margaret Thatcher and Jimmy Carter. They appear galvanised for action on climate change. The film then moves to the powerful cacophony of contradictory business messaging and media contortion to reveal, simply and clearly, how evidence of a warming planet is translated into something speculative at best and, at worst, the raving of doomsday prophets.

Using archive from print, television, radio, social media and congress – we isolate the influences which lead political leaders to eschew climate science and promote fossil industries. We then mark a chapter change in human history as the voices of industry, media moguls and ‘researchers’ begin disputing the mainstream ‘consensus ‘on climate change. THE C WORD  travels with a pendulum swing to the present day, as global populations speak more loudly than spin and action speaks loudest of all.

This is a film for a global audience. It will be revealing for a younger audience, who will be surprised to see how progressive politicians were in the early 80’s, when there was a consensus on the action required to halt global warming. And it will be startling for older generations to see the chronology of the last half century, distilled in political inaction. Viewers will come away from THE C WORD shocked at the deliberate obfuscation that has characterised discussions over the critical decades when we should have been shifting from fossil fuels. The ending will leave them with a sense of mobilisation – that citizens, business and science are now forcing change and they can be part of that change.

Ultimately, our goal is to create a more informed and engaged public, one that is equipped to understand the complex realities of climate change and the actions necessary to mitigate its effects. By using our film as a catalyst for change and mobilizing audiences to take action, we hope to make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change.