Rhythm and Glue: An Entertainment-Education Prototype for Climate Communication

This prototype of entertainment-education protocols is adapted for mainstream American audiences for climate change mitigation. The example demonstrates how entertainment-education can be used for creating community adaptation and resilience in supporting rapid transitions for sustainability. Using a narrative approach for climate communication, the Rhythm and Glue story emphasizes personal and collective efficacy, including layered examples of how climate change is already affecting the health of Americans. In the serial comedy drama, Rhythm and Glue, a Los Angeles community humorously learns to collaborate, sharing their skill sets to build a better city. Slapstick, romantic entanglements, and career advancement anchor the story, while real-time audience participation drives engagement with climate topics. Audience participation facilitates engagement increasing the capacity of existing climate mitigation programs. Each season presents an overarching climate change issue. Season One focuses on transportation transitions and the current health impacts of climate change, with subsequent seasons addressing; energy, water, food, and waste. The show highlights the realities of climate change facing residents of the United States and presents realistic solutions and behaviors that citizens can take to mitigate those effects, for themselves and their communities.