Grey’s Anatomy Tackles Climate Change in Season 21
With an impressive 21 seasons, ABC’s iconic medical drama Grey’s Anatomy has tackled an extensive array of storylines relevant to its viewers. In a recent midseason finale, the narrative took a poignant turn as the doctors of Seattle’s Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital confronted the severe impact of a citywide heat wave.
Partnering with Green Screen for Climate Awareness
To ensure the storyline was well-informed and grounded in reality, the show’s creators collaborated with Green Screen, an initiative co-founded by the CAA Foundation dedicated to spotlighting climate action in the entertainment industry. According to Adam Umhoefer of the CAA Foundation, the aim of Green Screen is to assist creatives in portraying the climate crisis in a factual manner, making these narratives both evidence-based and scientifically accurate.
“Every time I meet a creative, I introduce them to this initiative. I had a fantastic conversation with a writer from the Grey’s Anatomy team,” Umhoefer mentions. “Given how the show is known for addressing significant societal issues, it was a perfect opportunity for us to engage with the broader Green Screen team and provide resources directly to the writers.”
Insights from Experts Shape the Narrative
For the pivotal episode centering on heat-related health crises, Green Screen facilitated connections between the show’s writers and the Natural Resources Defense Council. This collaboration provided valuable research that enriched the script. Green Screen’s co-director, Juliet Liu, emphasizes their approach of allowing creatives to take the lead while ensuring they connect with experts who can inform their storytelling.
“The writers sought to understand the ramifications of climate change on hospitals and public health,” Liu explains. “We assembled a panel of leading experts who specialize in extreme weather, climate change, and public health medicine, which informed the writers as they developed the heat dome storyline, reminiscent of the 2021 Pacific Northwest event that had yet to be depicted on the show.”
Authenticity in Storytelling
Umhoefer stresses the importance of authenticity in portraying climate-focused narratives, ensuring they align with the show’s overall essence. “It’s about embedding these significant themes into the fabric of a romantic comedy, medical drama, or legal series while accurately reflecting the realities of our world,” he states.
The Human Cost of Climate Change
As the episode unfolded, Liu noted the opportunity to showcase the human cost of climate change. “Personally, seeing the aftermath of the L.A. fires has highlighted these issues for me,” she reflects. “I’ve witnessed communities unite and the rapid emergence of mutual aid in response to extreme weather, and this reality needed to be captured.”
This thought-provoking narrative can be found in the April 2025 Sustainability digital issue of The Hollywood Reporter. To explore further, click the link below.