The Climate Coalition's Recycled Spot Opens a Generations Eyes to Choose Life

Project Everyone and The Climate Coalition (TCC) have launched a new social good platform – Choose Life - featuring an eye-opening film from RSA Films director Adam Smith. 

‘Choose Life’ encourages the British public to sign a Declaration putting pressure on the government to commit to meaningful and ambitious climate action for people and planet – and ultimately in doing so, Choosing Life. Written by Scottish poet Mike Benson, the film references the iconic opening of the classic British film Trainspotting, designed to send a very clear message to the UK government: Now is the time to do the right thing, and take advantage of these unprecedented times to avoid reverting back to our old ways. 

The science has been consistently unambiguous for years: the world is facing a planetary emergency which is threatening to turn into a climate catastrophe without urgent action. With the Covid-19 crisis still changing by the day, along with its economic, political and social impacts, it has highlighted how fragile countries and global systems are to major shocks. The campaign film taps into these issues and looks towards the new choices and opportunities that can be taken in the UK’s recovery from the pandemic. 

“The aim of the film was to deliver a message of hope and empowerment that collectively we can do something about this issue, when we take action,” Adam Smith says. “For the Choose Life film we 'recycled' obscure and contrasting archive including unseen Chemical Brothers concert visuals and varied contributions from directors and artists (including JR and Gecko Theatre)”. 

In line with the Trainspotting theme of the film, it has been narrated by Trainspotting actress, Kelly Macdonald. Film director and UN Sustainable Goals Advocate Richard Curtis also supported the creative delivery of the film and broader Choose Life campaign as creative director. 

“We set out to be optimistic and energetic in the face of the climate crisis," said Curtis. "We want to rally the British public at a time when the UK government has some huge choices ahead about how it shapes the future of the country. And we want to pay homage to an iconic two minutes of British cinema and harness that spirit of rebellion towards the most important issue of our time.” 

Amidst a global crisis, Choose Life calls for governments, leaders, businesses, activists and individuals to recognise the tipping point our planet faces and consider the political and personal interventions that could transform our world over the next ten years. The film, declaration and educational resources should inspire us all to not choose to return to the old ways but to build a better world that is guided by the Global Goals – and Choose Life.