Entertainment-Education and Climate Change: Program Examples, Evidence, and Best Practices from around the World

Abstract

Entertainment-education is a global theory-driven and evidence-based storytelling strategy that promotes social and behavioral change. A formal review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature, alongside consultations with program and industry experts, revealed several contemporary examples of entertainment-education and climate change. Late-night comedy, with the inclusion of climate change storylines within popular entertainment, is common in the Global North. In the Global South, climate adaptation and mitigation narratives are situated in formats portraying audiences’ lived experiences. Crosscutting trends relate to documentary storytelling, children’s programming, and future efforts. Recommendations include re-examining theories across the social–ecological model; placing entertainment front and center; including messaging on rewards; using positive language; linking climate change with other issues; and emphasizing formative, process, and impact evaluation. Entertainment-education may be a promising vehicle for climate change communication, but the strategy requires a multidisciplinary set of changemakers working collaboratively to create meaningful and relevant programs.