The event drew hundreds of individuals passionate about addressing global environmental challenges and exploring the potential of behavioural psychology in building a circular economy.
‘Denizen’ delves into the concept of eliminating waste and establishing a sustainable circular economy. The documentary takes viewers on a transformative journey, beginning with an introduction to the indigenous communities of the Andes Mountain Range. Through their circular lifestyles, the film explores how we can live in harmony with our environment, gaining valuable insights from these ancient practices.
The documentary also sheds light on the hurdles faced by these communities at the intersection of our current linear economy and nature’s circular economy. Leading behavioural economists and neuroscientists from UCL share their expertise, unraveling the reasons behind our persistent linear economy despite its negative environmental and economic implications. They provide insights into how we can shift our approach and make our economy circular once again.
‘Denizen’ concludes by showcasing the inspiring work of pioneers who are already driving change towards a circular economy. Regardless of our individual positions, the film encourages viewers to join these visionary individuals and actively participate in reshaping our economic system.
Reflecting on the premiere, Toby Nash expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It was a fantastic evening, bringing together a few hundred people who are all passionate about doing what they can to resolve the global environmental issues we are facing. We had some interesting discussions afterwards which will hopefully lead to some exciting partnerships in the future.”
The motivation behind ‘Denizen’ stems from Toby’s desire to move away from the doom and gloom narrative often associated with environmental issues. By sharing stories of positive change and offering tangible solutions, Toby aims to empower individuals and foster hope in the face of global challenges. His goal is to provide practical tools and inspire action, ultimately resolving environmental issues through a deeper understanding of human psychology.
Toby shared the story behind the creation of ‘Denizen’: “I became quite weary working on environmental issues, such as carbon auditing and ESG reporting whilst being bombarded with doom and gloom messaging. The environmental documentaries we often see tend to be pessimistic, painting a picture that ‘we’re all screwed.’ But telling stories of change and offering solutions is crucial. It is important for us to face the reality, but it is vital to show that there is a way forward, highlighting the accomplishments of pioneers and how we can join them. Otherwise, you are left with eco-anxiety and powerlessness.”
To make ‘Denizen,’ Toby combined his passion for resolving global issues with his background in psychology. Recognising that human psychology underlies all environmental challenges, he pursued the idea that by understanding how we make decisions, we can make better decisions. This concept, along with his filmmaking skills, culminated in the creation of ‘Denizen,’ a documentary that not only provides a better understanding of decision-making but also offers a path towards resolving global environmental issues.
The full documentary, ‘Denizen,’ is available for free on UCL’s official YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/LvchFlfWS8g. Join Toby Nash on Instagram @nash_tobias to stay updated on his future projects and initiatives.
UCL PALS and Toby Nash’s groundbreaking documentary, ‘Denizen,’ are set to inspire individuals to take action and create a more sustainable future.