In a world where climate change is becoming an urgent reality, a groundbreaking project is taking an unconventional approach to make climate science accessible and spark action. Today marks the release of the latest in a series of films from "Climate Science Translated", featuring renowned comedian Nish Kumar, who teams up with Imperial College's Dr Fredi Otto to explain complex climate science in plain English. As the titles explain: “Climate science is complicated, so we’re translating it into human.” 

 

For example, Dr Otto explains: “The continuing increase in global average temperature is already causing higher probabilities of extreme rainfall and flash flooding, as well as more intense storms, prolonged droughts, and record-breaking heatwaves and wildfires.

 

Which Nish Kumar translates as: “Bad weather used to mean don’t forget your umbrella. Now it means possible death.”

 

As the UK government faces scrutiny over its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, new research reveals that 75% of the public and all climate scientists surveyed believe the UK government isn't doing enough to combat the climate crisis. Against a backdrop of record temperatures and devastating wildfires this summer, the urgency of addressing climate change is undeniable.

 

The film is the third in the Climate Science Translated series, following the success of earlier films featuring comedians Jonathan Pie and Kiri Pritchard-McLean and scientists Bill McGuire and Joanna Haigh.  Research has shown they are working: 87.5% said the videos made them want to act on climate change. The film ends with the line "All Hands On Deck Now" and invites people to pressure governments to phase out fossil fuels in a multitude of ways.

 

“Climate scientists are tearing their hair out because we're not listening to their warnings. If comedians can help them scream more effectively, then I'm happy to oblige.” says Kumar. 

 

Climate Science Translated turns to comedy to engage and educate the public. Kumar's collaboration with Dr Otto addresses the challenge that the vast majority of climate scientists feel their voices need to be heard. The project aims to bridge the gap between scientific experts and the general public through humour and relatable explanations.

 

This innovative project explores the role of comedy as a powerful tool for cutting through and driving action on vital environmental issues. Throughout history, humour has served as a coping mechanism during challenging times, from gladiators in ancient Rome using humour to cope with battles to the tales of humour amid the Black Death in 1348's Decameron. Sigmund Freud even posited humour as a defence against suffering. Comedy is increasingly addressing climate change, as seen in "Don't Look Up" and Bo Burnham's "Inside," highlighting humour's role in sparking meaningful discussions and climate action.

 

Nish Kumar's involvement in "Climate Science Translated" demonstrates the importance of celebrities in addressing the climate crisis. Public figures have the platform to reach broad audiences and shift social norms. With climate scientists feeling ignored, numerous celebrities such as Nish Kumar, Jonathan Pie, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Chris Packham and Gary Lineker are now using their voices to drive action.  

 

"We need millions more to realise just how fast the climate crisis is progressing and negatively affecting their lives. People need to pressure politicians to act. Humour can help the science cut through to a much broader public.” said Dr Fedi Otto, a leading global expert on weather attribution and one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2021. 

 

"We believe comedy is a powerful way to convey a serious message. Humour can reach audiences who wouldn't normally be receptive, particularly if well-known comedians like Nish are speaking up. Public figures are crucial to get millions more to demand action and drive a change in social norms." said Ben Carey, Co-founder of Utopia Bureau, the climate communications lab working on the initiative.

 

"Not enough people grasp the urgency of the climate science. We think comedy is a crucial way to mobilise millions to drive a societal shift that compels politicians to take rapid action.” said Nick Oldridge, climate campaigner and co-founder of Climate Science Breakthrough.