United Nations University - EHS 10d ago

How can scientific research resonate beyond academic and policy audiences? At the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), communication is embedded into the research process from the start. For the 2025 Interconnected Disaster Risks Report: Turning Over a New Leaf, scientists and communicators worked together to translate complex concepts into compelling narratives that connect with diverse audiences. This video showcases Chinamperos, an award-winning short film directed by Mexican filmmaker Rodrigo Jardón and produced as part of the report. Through the story of traditional farmers in Mexico City's ancient chinampa system, the film illustrates the report's call to move beyond short-term thinking and recognize the value of knowledge passed down across generations. It highlights how ancestral practices can offer lessons for building more sustainable futures and becoming better ancestors for generations to come. By combining scientific evidence with human storytelling, Chinamperos demonstrates how film can make research more accessible, relatable and impactful, helping audiences engage with sustainability challenges through real-life experiences. The film has been screened at multiple international film festivals and received two awards, showcasing the potential of creative storytelling to extend the reach and impact of scientific research.