Entertainment & Climate in India: Industry Unites for Change

India’s entertainment industry is stepping up to tackle climate change. In a landmark gathering, the country’s biggest filmmakers, streaming platforms, and global climate leaders came together to explore how films and TV shows can inspire audiences to care about the planet.

Hosted by the Producers Guild of India, PLUC (People Like Us Create), and UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), the roundtable took place at Amazon’s Mumbai office. More importantly, it highlighted a shared vision—making climate storytelling a natural part of mainstream entertainment.

Industry Leaders Unite for a Common Goal

The closed-door discussion brought together top executives from Amazon, Prime Video India, Yash Raj Films, Dharma Productions, Reliance Entertainment, and several leading production houses. Government representatives and climate experts also joined the conversation.

Together, they explored how cinema and streaming content can influence public awareness without turning climate change into a niche subject.

Climate Stories Beyond Documentaries

One message stood out throughout the discussion. Climate stories don’t have to be limited to documentaries or issue-based films.

Instead, participants encouraged filmmakers to weave environmental themes naturally into commercial entertainment. For example, a romantic drama could reflect changing weather patterns, while an action thriller might feature clean energy innovations as part of its storyline.

As a result, audiences can connect with climate issues through relatable characters and engaging narratives.

Simon Stiell: Climate Is a Human Story

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, emphasised that climate change is much more than an environmental issue.

According to him, it is a story about food, jobs, health, livelihoods, and the future of coming generations. He also noted that India, with its rich storytelling tradition and global cultural reach, has a unique opportunity to bring these stories into millions of homes.

Dia Mirza Highlights Cinema’s Responsibility

Actor and producer Dia Mirza, who also serves as a UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, spoke about the emotional power of storytelling.

She explained that cinema has always reflected society and inspired change. Therefore, as the world evolves, filmmakers also have a responsibility to tell stories that address today’s realities, including the urgent need to protect the environment.

Sustainable Filmmaking Matters Too

The discussion wasn’t limited to on-screen storytelling. Participants also focused on making film and television production more sustainable.

Since India produces more than 1,800 films every year, even small changes—such as reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and encouraging recycling—can create a meaningful environmental impact.

Consequently, sustainable production practices are expected to become an important part of the industry’s future.

PLUC Sees New Stories Emerging

Tamseel Hussain, Founder and CEO of PLUC, pointed out that India’s transition towards clean energy and innovation is creating countless untold stories.

To support this vision, PLUC has already launched India’s first Climate Scriptwriting Lab in collaboration with Netflix India. The initiative helps writers develop commercially engaging stories that naturally include climate themes.

Climate Storytelling Goes Mainstream

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the event was that climate storytelling is no longer seen as a separate genre.

Instead, participants agreed that environmental themes can fit seamlessly into romances, thrillers, family dramas, comedies, and action films. This subtle approach can educate audiences while keeping entertainment at the forefront.

A Long-Term Vision

The roundtable concluded with a commitment to build stronger partnerships between filmmakers and climate experts.

Going forward, writers and producers will have greater access to scientific knowledge, helping them create authentic and engaging stories. At the same time, the industry aims to encourage more sustainable production practices across films, television, and streaming platforms.

Although this is only the beginning, the inaugural Entertainment & Climate in India roundtable marks an important step forward.

India’s entertainment industry is recognising its ability to shape public conversations through powerful storytelling. With its global reach and cultural influence, Bollywood and the wider entertainment sector could play a significant role in inspiring climate awareness—not through lectures, but through memorable characters and compelling stories.