Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, known for his role in “Game of Thrones,” is expanding his mission to spotlight climate solutions beyond the screen. In the second season of “An Optimist’s Guide to the Planet,” premiering on Bloomberg TV and major streaming platforms, Coster-Waldau ventures into the Ecuadorian Amazon, Denmark, and other global hotspots to uncover innovative approaches to water, waste management, and energy. His journey challenges the sector to rethink its strategies and embrace community-driven solutions.
The Achuar community in the Ecuadorian Amazon stands as a testament to self-determination and sustainability. Resisting the construction of a road that would bring deforestation, illegal mining, and violent crime, they’ve chosen to connect their villages by river, convert diesel engines to battery power, and harness solar energy. “Technology is a tool that we can use; that we decide to use,” Coster-Waldau emphasizes. “It cannot be the other way around.” This approach underscores the importance of community agency in shaping sustainable development, a theme central to the series.
Coster-Waldau’s optimism is not blind; it’s rooted in the innovative solutions he’s witnessed worldwide. “Doing the show again has reminded me how much the human spirit—and our thirst for innovation, finding solutions, helping each other—is still very much an integral part of who we are,” he shares. This perspective is crucial for the water, sanitation, and drainage sector, which often grapples with climate doomism and the need for long-term solutions.
The series also tackles the pitfalls of climate communication. Coster-Waldau warns against doomsday narratives that can backfire, making it easy for people to dismiss real crises. “The reality is already bad enough,” he states. “Just look at the extreme weather we’re seeing now, or the loss of biodiversity and pollution. It’s already completely out of whack, and it’s only going to get worse.” This call for balanced, factual communication is a wake-up call for the sector to reframe its messaging and engage communities more effectively.
The second season of “An Optimist’s Guide to the Planet” is a global tapestry of stories, from coastal cities to farmlands and innovation hubs. Coster-Waldau’s journey highlights the interconnectedness of water, waste management, and energy solutions. “Everyone wants to do something meaningful, to have a sense of purpose, and to feel agency over their own destiny,” he observes. This sentiment resonates deeply with the sector, which must empower communities to take ownership of their environmental challenges.
One standout story from the season is Mycocycle, a Chicago-based company using fungi to break down construction waste, a significant source of CO2 emissions. “There’s no such thing as waste. In nature, everything is reused,” Coster-Waldau notes. This innovative approach challenges the sector to think beyond traditional waste management and embrace circular economy principles.
As the series airs, it’s a reminder that the water, sanitation, and drainage sector must evolve. The stories of the Achuar community, Mycocycle, and countless others demonstrate that solutions exist. The challenge lies in scaling them up with the right resources and political will. Coster-Waldau’s journey is not just a call to action; it’s a beacon of hope, urging the sector to embrace optimism, innovation, and community-driven solutions.