What the Show Dr. Who Reveals About Climate Change?

Despite being around for 60 years, the global science fiction phenomenon still has significant advancements to achieve in the realm of climate science!

Actor Ncuti Gatwa is the first Black man and the first person born outside the U.K. to play The Doctor.

"Looking in detail at five episodes across the show’s 60 years, we found that it doesn’t really advocate for climate or energy justice. Instead, the writers offer the Doctor – and those he inspires to fight oppression – a metaphorical big red button that says: “Press here to reset your society.”( Marc Hudson, Richard Douglas, Marcus Harmes)

1. The origins of Climate Change are deeply rooted in Colonialism and the exploitation of natural resources, which also led to the decimation of indigenous populations. For instance, the 1966 episode "The Savages" depicts the rapid overthrow of an unjust society. Similarly, in the 1974 episode "The Monster of Peladon," exploited miners quickly reconcile with their rulers when the queen, influenced by the Doctor, encourages harmony. Moreover, in the 1985 episode "The Mark of the Rani," the workers' concerns about new technology threatening their jobs are dismissed as merely a plot by aliens.

2. Climate Change affects the Global South more adversely because of economically enforced systemic racism. Sympathy for exploited people is expressed in a way that does not treat them as equals. The Doctor fights their battles for them, while they are depicted as needing fair access to resources but unwilling or unable to lift a finger to get them. This is hardly an empowering or inspiring narrative.

3. It is up to us to save ourselves no Aliens or Angels are coming our inaction and lack of response will doom the planet or at least the life that needs it to survive! Doctor Who viewers praised this climate change message in Orphan 55. The show ended in a serious speech by The Doctor. "You want me to tell you that Earth’s gonna be OK, But I can’t. "In your time, humanity’s busy arguing over the washing up while the house burns down. Unless people face facts and change, catastrophe is coming.

   
   

   "But it’s not decided. You know that. The future is not fixed, it depends on billions of decisions and actions, and people stepping up.

   
   

   "Humans. I think you forget how powerful you are. Lives change worlds. People can save planets or wreck them. That’s the choice. Be the best of humanity."