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Naughty Dog’s critically acclaimed video game, “The Last of Us,” (2013) has captured the hearts and minds of players worldwide with its powerful narrative and immersive gameplay. Set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a pandemic, the game offers a bleak view of humanity’s future.
However, with the video game now becoming a television show, it has reached an even wider audience. To the wider audience, “The Last of Us” may seem like just another zombie virus outbreak video game, but beyond its gripping storyline, it offers a thought-provoking message: it can also be seen as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of climate change if left unchecked.
In light of the devastated world depicted in “The Last Of Us,” we should consider whether humanity may face a similar fate if current climate trends continue unabated. The opening scene of “The Last of Us” sets the stage for the societal destruction that would take place in the future, as we witness a scientist discussing the devastating consequences of a fungal outbreak caused by climate change. This ominous foreshadowing sets the tone for the rest of the series, showing the audience that the world as we know it could easily collapse if we do not take action to address environmental challenges.
From the very beginning, “The Last of Us” highlights the importance of human impact on the planet.
“The Last Of Us” (Naughty Dog; 2013)
“The Last of Us” (( Wikipedia Contributors. “The Last of Us.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation. )) is a captivating post-apocalyptic story that takes place in a world where a fungal pandemic has ravaged humanity, leaving only a handful of survivors. As the story unfolds, players follow the journey of two unlikely heroes, Joel and Ellie, as they navigate their way through a world fraught with danger, heartache, and betrayal.
Along the way, they encounter horrifying infected creatures and confront the harsh reality of a world where resources are scarce, and people will do anything to survive. With a theme of love and a gripping storyline, “The Last of Us” is a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
A World Ravaged By Natural Disasters
One of the key aspects of “The Last of Us” is its depiction of a world battered by natural disasters; in the video game (( Wikipedia Contributors. “The Last of Us.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation. )) and television show (( “The Last of Us | Official Website for the HBO Series | HBO.com.” HBO. )), we see cities like Boston and Pittsburgh, which have been ravaged by floods and other calamities.
In a memorable sequence, protagonists Joel and Ellie navigate a flooded city street by floating on wooden pallets. This scene not only demonstrates the adaptability of humans in the face of adversity but also serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of rising sea levels and increased precipitation.
As climate change continues to affect weather patterns and intensify extreme weather events, we are already witnessing an increase in the frequency and severity of hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires. The portrayal of these events in “The Last of Us” serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that the depiction of a world ravaged by natural disasters is not just a fictional portrayal, but rather a glimpse into a possible future that we could face if we do not take action against climate change.
Ecosystem Collapse & The Loss Of Biodiversity
The video game’s world also highlights the collapse of ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity (( “Biodiversity Loss | Causes, Effects, & Facts | Britannica.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2023. )), which are real-life consequences of climate change. The infected individuals, who have succumbed to the Cordyceps fungus, serve as a metaphor for the rapid spread of invasive species and diseases as a result of changing environmental conditions.
For instance, as temperatures rise, disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, can expand their ranges, leading to the spread of illnesses like the West Nile virus and Lyme disease. In the video game, we see how the fungus has evolved and adapted to infect humans, ultimately leading to the downfall of civilization. This serves as a warning about the potential consequences of ignoring the impact of environmental changes on our planet’s ecosystems. The spread of invasive species and diseases can have devastating effects on human health, food security, and biodiversity.
By highlighting these issues through its narrative, “The Last of Us” encourages us to take action to protect our environment and prevent further damage. In addition, the video game features numerous overgrown and abandoned urban landscapes, illustrating how wildlife can reclaim human-inhabited areas in the absence of human intervention. While this may seem like a positive development, it also underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between urbanization and natural habitats to preserve the world’s biodiversity.
Resource Scarcity & Societal Breakdown
“The Last of Us” presents a world where resources are scarce, leading to the breakdown of societal structures and widespread violence. As climate change progresses, it is expected to exacerbate existing resource scarcity issues, particularly with regard to water and food supplies. Droughts and changing precipitation patterns can lead to crop failures, while rising temperatures may render certain regions uninhabitable.
In the video game, we see how these resource shortages have driven people to desperate measures, including violence and the formation of brutal factions. This serves as a stark reminder of the potential societal consequences of climate change-induced resource scarcity, emphasizing the need for effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
In a world where resources are becoming increasingly scarce, the consequences of climate change-induced resource depletion can be devastating. As we see in “The Last of Us,” societies can quickly crumble when basic needs such as food, water, and shelter are not met. This is not just a fictional scenario — history has shown us the destabilizing effects of resource scarcity, from the collapse of ancient civilizations to modern-day conflicts. By depicting a world on the brink of collapse, “The Last of Us” underscores the urgent need for change.
Climate Refugees & Forced Migration
To build on the structure of “The Last Of Us” further, the issue of climate refugees and forced migration is also addressed in the video game and television series. As the video game’s characters journey across the post-apocalyptic United States, they encounter displaced individuals and families searching for safety and stability. This mirrors the real-world phenomenon of climate refugees, who are forced to leave their homes due to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and diminished agricultural productivity.
The United Nations (( Weisbrod, Katelyn. “By 2050, 200 Million Climate Refugees May Have Fled Their Homes. But International Laws Offer Them Little Protection – Inside Climate News.” Inside Climate News, 2 Nov. 2021. )) estimates that by 2050, there could be as many as 200 million climate refugees. This mass migration poses a significant challenge to global stability, as it could lead to increased competition for resources, social unrest, and even conflict. The video game’s portrayal of a world marked by violence and instability highlights the potential consequences of failing to address the needs of these vulnerable populations.
Mental Health & Trauma
“The Last of Us” delves into the complex emotional landscape of its characters, exploring the psychological toll of living in a ravaged world where survival is paramount. The video game’s protagonists, Joel and Ellie, grapple with their traumatic experiences, including the loss of loved ones, exposure to violence, and the constant threat of danger. This underscores the importance of considering mental health in the context of climate change, as the impacts of environmental degradation and disasters can lead to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Climate change has been called a “threat multiplier,” (( “Climate Change Recognized as ‘Threat Multiplier’, UN Security Council Debates Its Impact on Peace | COMMISSION de CONSOLIDATION de LA PAIX.” Un.org, 2015. )) exacerbating existing mental health issues and creating new challenges for individuals and communities. In order to address these concerns, it is essential to prioritize mental health support and interventions for those affected by climate change and its consequences.
Technological Adaptations & Its Solutions
Despite the bleak outlook presented in “The Last of Us,” the video game also showcases the human capacity for adaptation and resilience. The characters utilize a range of innovative technologies and strategies to navigate their changed world, from makeshift weapons and tools to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines. This emphasis on technological adaptation highlights the potential for innovation to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
By investing in research and development, as well as the widespread adoption of renewable energy, we can work towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and securing a sustainable future.
Building Resilient Communities
“The Last of Us” also demonstrates the importance of community in the face of adversity. Throughout the video game, characters form alliances and relationships to support one another and increase their chances of survival. This notion of community resilience can be applied to real-world efforts to combat climate change, as building strong, interconnected communities can help individuals and groups better adapt to the challenges posed by a changing environment.
By fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective action, communities can work together to develop innovative solutions, share resources, and support those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Encouraging collaboration between individuals, businesses, and governments can help to create more resilient communities, better equipped to face the uncertainties of the future.
A Call To Action
“The Last of Us” is more than just a video game; it can be much of a warning. Through its fictional world, the video game paints a vivid picture of the devastating consequences of climate change. As players navigate the wasteland, they are forced to confront the reality of their own impact on the environment. The video game’s powerful message is clear: we must act now to combat climate change before it’s too late.
By connecting the video game’s narrative to modern-day environmental challenges, “The Last of Us” serves as a haunting reminder of the bleak future that awaits us if we fail to take action. From reducing our carbon footprint to supporting sustainable businesses and policies, there are many actions ordinary people can take to make a difference.
Through the lens of a video game and television series, audiences can be inspired to consider how we can make a positive impact on the world around us.