Plastic production is expected to quadruple by 2050, compounding waste levels and climate effects. By raising awareness, modeling reusable behaviors on TV and greening sets, entertainment can play a pivotal role in helping audiences envision a world free from single-use
plastics.
Around 380 million metric tons of plastic is being produced annually, and most of it does not get recycled. Over half of that plastic is intended to be used once and thrown away, but virtually every piece of plastic that was ever made still exists in some form—affecting human health (including reproductive health), and raising issues of environmental justice.
The Western part of the United States is in the midst of its worst drought in 1,200 years, and science indicates that things are only going to get worse. The outlook is not good, but there are ways for entertainment to show audiences what a world that prioritizes water conservation can look like.
In its first live event in more than two years, Hollywood, Health & Society brought together experts and TV writers-producers to explore the topic of emerging A.I.-driven technologies, including lethal autonomous weapons known as "slaughterbots," and their depiction in entertainment storylines.
The reception and panel, held atop the Petersen Automotive Museum in the rooftop pavilion and terrace on June 8, featured the following speakers:
Our Spring 2022 newsletter spotlights posts about the HH&S Blue Sky Scriptwriting Contest; actress Alyssa Milano breaking down the unknown history of abortion in the U.S.; poor reviews for the business side of Hollywood when it comes to diversity; the return of the ATX Festival in Austin; and how robots could fill a critical care gap in long-term care facilities, ravaged by the pandemic.
It’s a nightmarish scenario ripped right out of television or movie storytelling: A rogue authoritarian nation threatens the world with catastrophic nuclear consequences if the U.S. or NATO allies interfere with its unprovoked invasion of a neighboring country.
Only this time the events are real.