How AI Can Help Fight Climate Change: Filmmaker Michael P. Nash Explores the Connection Between Environment and Democracy
The rapid evolution of technology has placed artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront of numerous industries. Now, one filmmaker is exploring how AI might also be key in addressing one of the most pressing global issues: climate change. Michael P. Nash, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker known for his environmental and social justice-themed work, is tackling the relationship between AI, climate action, and democracy in his upcoming project, “Chasing Truth.”
Michael P. Nash: A Legacy in Environmental Filmmaking
Michael P. Nash has long been recognized for his commitment to telling the stories of those most affected by global issues. His breakout documentary Climate Refugees (2010), which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, focused on the growing population of individuals displaced due to environmental disasters caused by climate change. The film explored the narratives of people from 48 different countries who were affected by rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions, and droughts.
Besides Climate Refugees, Nash has produced and directed numerous other impactful films. Fuel (2017) discussed the global energy crisis and proposed alternative, sustainable energy sources. Another notable film, Saving the Roar (2021), was a sports documentary that delved into the culture of football at Penn State University, offering a source of inspiration and hope to the university’s fanbase.
But Nash’s latest project, Chasing Truth, marks a new chapter in his exploration of climate change and its relationship with modern democracy. This time, he looks to AI for answers.
The AI and Climate Nexus: Introducing “Chasing Truth”
Scheduled for release in 2026, Chasing Truth is a documentary that aims to investigate how AI can be used to mitigate climate-related issues, from rising temperatures and food insecurity to natural disasters. Nash is collaborating with actor Leonardo DiCaprio and his father, George DiCaprio, who are serving as executive producers on the project.
Nash describes the film as an exploration of the potential AI holds to solve complex environmental challenges. It will delve into whether this advanced technology can contribute to a more sustainable world, tackling questions like: Can AI offer solutions to reduce global emissions? How can AI be applied to agriculture to boost food security in the face of climate change? And perhaps more controversially, could AI play a role in preserving democratic principles while addressing these issues?
The inclusion of AI as a central theme in the film is significant, especially as the debate around AI governance and regulation continues to grow. As more industries adopt AI technologies, discussions around the ethical implications of AI, its potential misuse, and the risks it poses to democracy are becoming more pressing.
AI and Democracy: Can They Coexist?
In interviews following the Athens Democracy Forum, Nash emphasized the relationship between democracy and environmental sustainability. His perspective is simple yet profound: A healthy democracy is necessary to tackle global challenges, including climate change. Without democratic principles in place—principles that prioritize human rights, accountability, and transparency—efforts to combat environmental crises will be inadequate.
According to Nash, democracies are often the most equipped to protect individuals affected by climate disasters. In the case of Climate Refugees, Nash highlighted how democratic nations, which value human rights, are typically expected to offer asylum and protection to displaced individuals. However, those displaced by climate change face significant challenges in gaining international recognition and protection.
The United Nations estimates that by 2050, hundreds of millions of people could be displaced due to environmental factors, and some estimates place this figure as high as one billion. Yet international laws—especially in democratic countries—have yet to catch up, as “climate refugees” are not formally recognized as a distinct category, leaving millions vulnerable.
Democracy Under Threat: The Corporatization of Politics
In addition to the environmental and humanitarian focus of Chasing Truth, Nash is also keenly aware of the threats democracy faces today. In his interview after the Athens Democracy Forum, he noted that democracy is “under attack.” The influence of large corporations, Nash argues, has led to the erosion of democratic principles. Corporations have used their financial power to sway politicians and policies in favor of profit rather than promoting individual rights or long-term solutions to global challenges.
Nash warns that if these issues aren’t addressed, history may remember this period as the time when “corporations went rogue.” He sees the increasing polarization, misinformation, and sensationalism in the media as significant threats to democracy, as these forces undermine the public’s ability to remain informed and make educated decisions about their futures.
Scandinavian Countries as Democratic Models
When asked which countries exemplify democratic principles today, Nash pointed to Scandinavian countries—such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland—as standout examples. These nations have earned reputations for being some of the happiest and most efficient in the world, largely due to their strong democratic structures. These democracies prioritize the welfare of their citizens while balancing economic and environmental goals, creating societies that thrive on transparency and long-term sustainability.
The success of these countries highlights a critical point Nash makes in Chasing Truth: a well-functioning democracy is essential to addressing climate change. Without the stability and forward-thinking governance that democracies provide, global solutions to environmental crises are likely to remain out of reach.
The Role of Youth and AI in Shaping the Future of Democracy
One of Nash’s key takeaways from the Athens Democracy Forum was the growing role of youth in shaping the future of democracy. During a panel discussion with young leaders, Nash was struck by their concerns about the future of democracy and the role AI might play in it. The younger generation expressed deep distrust in democratic institutions’ ability to address global challenges like climate change. However, they also demonstrated a desire to take action and create solutions, indicating a hopeful shift toward greater youth engagement in global governance.
The Intersection of AI, Democracy, and Climate Action
As Chasing Truth moves toward its release in 2026, Michael P. Nash continues to raise critical questions about the future of democracy and the environment. With the looming threats of climate change and democratic instability, Nash’s documentary seeks to uncover whether AI can be the bridge that connects these two global challenges and how it might help build a more sustainable and equitable world.
While Nash remains critical of the current state of democracy, particularly in the United States, he remains hopeful that innovative solutions, driven by AI and informed by the voices of younger generations, will lead to progress.
