Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Movie-ing Forward: Climate Change Narratives and Imaginaries in Children’s Animated Films

Tenorio De Figueiredo Gabell, Jennifer LU (2023) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20232
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Children primarily learn about climate change (CC) through media, including children’s films. Films can influence emotions, shaping perceptions and actions regarding CC. However, research focusing on media narratives consumed by children is lacking, leaving a significant knowledge gap. To bridge this gap, this study employed narrative analysis, examining CC depictions in six children's animated films. Utilizing a theoretical framework of imaginaries, the study explored the role of these films in imagining alternative climate futures. Contrary to previous research emphasizing pessimistic themes in climate films, this analysis unveiled an unexpected and hopeful narrative of the future. The films delved into complex themes like climate... (More)
Children primarily learn about climate change (CC) through media, including children’s films. Films can influence emotions, shaping perceptions and actions regarding CC. However, research focusing on media narratives consumed by children is lacking, leaving a significant knowledge gap. To bridge this gap, this study employed narrative analysis, examining CC depictions in six children's animated films. Utilizing a theoretical framework of imaginaries, the study explored the role of these films in imagining alternative climate futures. Contrary to previous research emphasizing pessimistic themes in climate films, this analysis unveiled an unexpected and hopeful narrative of the future. The films delved into complex themes like climate justice and human-nature relationships but maintained a fearful framing through violence and urgency. While generally aligning with dominant climate imaginaries, these films presented unique variations, highlighting diverse perspectives. Understanding these nuanced narratives offers insights into how children perceive CC through media, potentially shaping their actions towards sustainability. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Tenorio De Figueiredo Gabell, Jennifer LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20232
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Sustainability Science, Climate Change, Climate Imaginaries, Pop-Culture Children's Films
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2023:048
language
English
id
9140346
date added to LUP
2023-10-25 08:11:23
date last changed
2023-10-25 08:11:23
@misc{9140346,
  abstract     = {{Children primarily learn about climate change (CC) through media, including children’s films. Films can influence emotions, shaping perceptions and actions regarding CC. However, research focusing on media narratives consumed by children is lacking, leaving a significant knowledge gap. To bridge this gap, this study employed narrative analysis, examining CC depictions in six children's animated films. Utilizing a theoretical framework of imaginaries, the study explored the role of these films in imagining alternative climate futures. Contrary to previous research emphasizing pessimistic themes in climate films, this analysis unveiled an unexpected and hopeful narrative of the future. The films delved into complex themes like climate justice and human-nature relationships but maintained a fearful framing through violence and urgency. While generally aligning with dominant climate imaginaries, these films presented unique variations, highlighting diverse perspectives. Understanding these nuanced narratives offers insights into how children perceive CC through media, potentially shaping their actions towards sustainability.}},
  author       = {{Tenorio De Figueiredo Gabell, Jennifer}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Movie-ing Forward: Climate Change Narratives and Imaginaries in Children’s Animated Films}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}