Not to be confused with Climate Changers, Inc., an assistance organization for ex-offenders in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Climate Changers is a 2023 documentary that interviews a wide array of climate activists around the world with the goal of promoting increased environmentalist activism and measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels and other climate- and environment-related actions. ^{12 3}

Background

Climate Changers is a 2023 documentary hosted by environmentalist activist Tim Flannery that seeks to promote the need for international “leadership” in dealing with climate change. The film interviews and international cast of activists and politicians and document’s Flannery’s attendance at the United Nations’ Glasgow COP26 climate change conference in 2021. The film’s trailer portrays all manner of natural disasters, ranging from floods to wildfires, as being the result of climate change. ^{4 5}

In an interview about the film, Flannery used alarmist and apocalyptic language about the effect of climate change, stating that the loss of environmental stability threatens human civilization and that there will be food shortages and a decline in the quality of life of people around the world unless drastic action is taken. Flannery stated that the goal of the film is to spur people to organize and pressure governments for more action about climate change. ⁶

Funding

The film and its promotion received funding from several sources including Documentary Australia’s Environmental Accelerator, which funds films focused on climate change and activism; Mind the Gap Film Finance, a climate-focused investment fund, Future Super; and the Climate Council, an Australian climate change activist organization. ⁷

People Interviewed in the Film

The film interviewed an array of climate activists, including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, former European Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard, deputy leader of the Australian New South Wales Liberal Party and climate activist Matt Keen, as well as other various indigenous activists, environmental activists, and people involved in weather-dependent energy industries. ⁸

Crew

Mark Forstmann, the producer and writer, is a documentary producer who has been involved in the production of numerous environmentally focused films including Monkey Puzzle. ⁹

Johan Gabrielsson, the director, is a film director who has been involved in a variety of projects ranging from documentaries to commercials. As of 2023, he is developing a documentary titled Climate Wars. ¹⁰

Tim Flannery, the host, is an Australian academic, climate activist, and writer who has been very involved in global climate activism for decades. In 2007, he was named “Australian of the Year” and has been very involved in communications, especially regarding climate change and activism. He is currently the chief councilor at the Climate Council, an Australian climate change activism organization. ¹¹

Flannery is strongly opposed to the fossil fuel industry and the extraction of natural gas and coal in Australia and has characterized greenhouse gas emissions as an emergency requiring significant government action. He has claimed that Australian inaction on climate issues threatens Australian national security and has damaged its international reputation. ^{12 13}

Flannery has expressed concern about human population growth and its potential effects on the environment and has called for the Australian government to study the issue. ¹⁴

1. “About – Climate Changers.” Climate Changers Movie, May 17, 2023. Accessed November 6, 2023.https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/, https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/.
2. Maddox, Garry. “‘Heat Waves Are the Killer’: Tim Flannery Warns of Deadly Risk over Summer.” The Sydney Morning Herald, September 15, 2023. Accessed November 6, 2023.  https://www.smh.com.au/culture/movies/heat-waves-are-the-killer-tim-flannery-warns-of-deadly-risk-over-summer-20230911-p5e3t7.html.
3. “Home – Climate Changers.” Accessed November 6, 2023. https://climatechangersmovie.com/, https://climatechangersmovie.com/.
4. “About – Climate Changers.” Climate Changers Movie, May 17, 2023. Accessed November 6, 2023.https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/, https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/.
5. “Watch Trailer – Climate Changers.” Climate Changers Movie, August 30, 2023. https://climatechangersmovie.com/watch-trailer/, https://climatechangersmovie.com/watch-trailer/
6. Maddox, Garry. “‘Heat Waves Are the Killer’: Tim Flannery Warns of Deadly Risk over Summer.” The Sydney Morning Herald, September 15, 2023. Accessed November 6, 2023.  https://www.smh.com.au/culture/movies/heat-waves-are-the-killer-tim-flannery-warns-of-deadly-risk-over-summer-20230911-p5e3t7.html.
7. “Home – Climate Changers.” Accessed November 6, 2023. https://climatechangersmovie.com/, https://climatechangersmovie.com/.
8. “About – Climate Changers.” Climate Changers Movie, May 17, 2023. Accessed November 6, 2023.https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/, https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/.
9. “About – Climate Changers.” Climate Changers Movie, May 17, 2023. Accessed November 6, 2023.https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/, https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/.
10. “About – Climate Changers.” Climate Changers Movie, May 17, 2023. Accessed November 6, 2023.https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/, https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/.
11. “About – Climate Changers.” Climate Changers Movie, May 17, 2023. Accessed November 6, 2023.https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/, https://climatechangersmovie.com/about/.
12. Flannery, Tim. “Plibersek Has Power to Stop Mega-Projects of Coal and Gas.” The Age, August 29, 2022. Accessed November 6, 2023.https://www.theage.com.au/environment/climate-change/plibersek-has-power-to-stop-mega-projects-of-coal-and-gas-20220829-p5bdj4.html.
13. Bradshaw, Tim Flannery, Simon. “Australia, an Embarrassing Handbrake on COP’s Nobler Ambitions.” The Age, November 12, 2021. https://www.theage.com.au/environment/climate-change/australia-an-embarrassing-handbrake-on-cop-s-nobler-ambitions-20211112-p598aj.html. Accessed November 6, 2023.
14. Eastley, Tony. “Flannery Calls for Population Inquiry.” ABC News, November 19, 2009. Accessed November 6, 2023. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-11-20/flannery-calls-for-population-inquiry/1149666.