Winter is Here! BTW Game of Thrones is actually about Climate Change

Winter is here!

On the first official day of Winter, it’s the perfect time to address another timely conspiracy theory. Is Game of Thrones actually about Climate Change? We’ll dive deep into this – and obviously use essential GIFs in the process.

For those of you who aren’t caught up, you may want to click away.

One of my favorite podcasts, Warm Regards, dives deep into this theory if Game of Thrones is a metaphor for Climate Change. They also get into the comparisons of the show references for scientists with their careers – so climate nerds, take a listen.

Why Game of Thrones is actually about Climate Change:

The White Walkers are Climate Change. They’ve been present as a threat for the past 7 seasons, yet many people question if they exist.

via GIPHY

In the meantime, the Seven Kingdoms are engaged in their day-to-day happenings and private wars, oblivious to the looming threat.
Jon Snow is the environmentalist, who is warning everyone about the imminent threat (winter/climate change). However…

via GIPHY

Cersai in Westeros is a climate-denier (AKA Scott Pruitt, Koch Brothers, etc.) who cares more about her immediate interests than preserving the greater good of her kingdom.

via GIPHY

The Wall protected Westeros from the White Walkers (climate change), but now an undead dragon burnt it down. Perhaps the Wall was our CO2 threshold of unstoppable changes?
Dragonglass is the one weakness of the White Walkers, similar to how renewable energy is the way to curb greenhouse gas emissions. But how much effort will it take to prioritize a tool that will help prevent the inevitable disaster?
Could the snow falling in Kings Landing be a warning for those who aren’t prepared to fight climate change in warmer climates?

If the above wasn’t geeky enough for you, Samwell Tarly wrote a white paper about the Game of Thrones climate model.

Any other insights about GoT and Climate Change? Excuse me for the pause while I try to redeem myself to look a little bit cooler.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.