Don't Look Up Discussion Guide

Don't Look Up Cast
Photo courtesy of Netflix

Often, we don't bring up climate change to friends and family because we believe they don't agree, or aren't as concerned about it as we are. Or we’re afraid of having a difficult conversation. But the new climate “comedy” Don’t Look Up quickly became Netflix’s second-most-watched film of all time, with over 150 million viewing hours, choosing to engage with this allegory for the climate crisis. It’s clear that millions of us are ready to have the climate conversation. Haven't watched the film? Check out what we thought about it!

So why not use Don't Look Up as an opportunity to discuss climate action with friends and family?

Here are some sample discussion questions, but feel free to come up with your own!

Don't Look Up Discussion Guide:

  • What feelings came up when you watched the film?
  • Did it make you think about the climate crisis? (or other crises we’re facing, like the COVID pandemic or attacks on our democracy?)
    • If not, why not? If so, how?
  • Where do you think the analogy of an asteroid misses the mark when it comes to climate change? How is our real-world crisis different?
  • Do you think the film accurately portrays the real-world failings of our government, media, and corporations? What did you feel was inaccurate?
  • What actions can we all take to act on climate? What can’t we accomplish, that we need to work toward collectively, in a community, or a movement?
  • Are you ready to get involved?

Here are some tips from Hop Hopkins, Sierra Club's Director of Organizational Transformation, on how to have a productive conversation on hot-button topics:

  • Try to create a back-and-forth dialogue. No one wants to be lectured by the people they love.
  • Try to listen as much as you speak and ask open-ended non-judgemental questions.
  • Offer a reflection of their thoughts back to them. This is to make sure that you’ve heard and understood what they said and more importantly, they hear and understand that you were listening to them.
  • But you don’t need to agree with them or show tolerance for hateful and bigoted beliefs. There is no common ground to be found with white nationalists and other extremists.
  • Ask permission to share feedback. People are more open when they've said yes to the conversation.
  • Share stories about the life experiences that have led you to your values and beliefs. Studies show that sharing personal stories is one of the most effective methods of changing hearts and minds.
  • Model patience, grace, and empathy -- even if you don’t get it back. And, be open to additional engagements with family members and friends in other settings where they’ll have an opportunity to be seen as a human being, and more than just an argument waiting to happen.

You can find more guidance on specific topics in our conversation guide.

We're hoping for more movies, television shows, songs, and books about the climate crisis -- as well as the bold real-world action it will take to create a different vision of our future. Please share this discussion guide far and wide and continue to take action!