How Storytelling Can Change the Narrative of the Planetary Crisis

Written By: Colin Butfield, Co-Founder & Executive Producer at Studio Silverback; Co-Founder & Board Chair at Open Planet

Since the earliest human communication, storytelling has helped us to understand our place in the world. As civilisations grew, the diverse tapestry of stories helped form cultures and religions, and determined what’s important to us as a collective society. Stories are not only at the heart of public discourse, but also shape global politics, education and the scientific innovations we pursue.

Crucially, stories enable us to imagine the future we want to see. But for too long, the story of our changing planet has been told repeatedly by the same people, in the same way…and we wonder why we’re seeing the same outcomes.

If we are to shift the way the world views climate change, how we value nature and take care of each other as humanity, then we must first change the story.???

At this critical midpoint for delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we’re witnessing what science has been telling us for decades: we are facing a planetary emergency, the impacts of which are already cascading worldwide.

Last year marked the hottest year on record , with climate change fuelling more extreme weather events, food shortages, increased health risks, deaths and displacement. We also know that 84% of SDG targets are currently off track for 2030. It’s clear the current systems that underpin our global society are not conducive to the sustainable, equitable world we have been promised.

But the solutions exist, and the public call for change is louder than ever, with 80% of people globally wanting stronger climate action from governments. Now it’s time to bridge the gap between awareness and action - to reshape the narrative of our planet’s future, and pivot from prevailing climate anxiety towards inspiring hope and optimism that change is possible.

Open Planet was created to help make this a reality, by providing free access to credible, world-class footage and data visualisations. Through our growing, global network of filmmakers and collaborators, we’re capturing untold stories, unlocking never-before-seen footage from the archives of media companies and broadcasters, and making this content freely available to storytellers through a trusted, open-source library.?

Since first announcing Open Planet at Goals House during New York Climate Week last year, we’ve seen what’s possible when creatives, communicators and changemakers are given the visual tools they need to effectively tell their stories. They can captivate a room of politicians and decision-makers on the global stage; deepen understanding and enrich discussion in classrooms filled with young innovators; engage local leaders on pressing community issues; and bring to life the latest scientific breakthroughs in a way that resonates with audiences.??

And we’re only at the beginning of what Open Planet can achieve.

By exponentially growing the breadth and diversity of stories told, we can trigger a tipping point in public consciousness, while elevating the voices of those on the frontline and the pioneers leading the way with solutions for our planet’s recovery.

At a time when misinformation and disinformation is ranked top of the global risks tracker , it’s never been more important for accurate, authentic stories to be heard. Technology has also liberated millions more storytellers than we had even a decade ago, making it easier than ever to bring powerful local stories to global audiences.

With pivotal decision-making forums fast approaching - from the UN General Assembly in New York, to the biodiversity conference in Colombia, and Brazil’s hosting of the G20 Summit - we must harness the power of positive storytelling to create lasting change, and foster a legacy of stewardship for generations to come.

It’s time to celebrate stories of resilience, innovation, and the human spirit's capacity to adapt and overcome. These stories are waiting to be told - and Open Planet’s a good place to start.??