The films are made in conjunction with the 12 nuclear sciences and applications laboratories of the IAEA, a feature in the United Nations.
Warner Bros. Discovery has launched Good To Know, an educational video series created in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the Discovery Channel. This initiative aims to showcase how nuclear science can address global challenges, with the first set of five films airing across 30 countries and reaching 44m households in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Produced collaboratively by the IAEA video team and Warner Bros. Discovery’s editorial team, these one-minute films simplify the safe applications of radiation to tackle pressing issues such as Microplastics in the ocean (filmed in Monaco/Global); The growing cancer burden (filmed in India); Food insecurity (filmed in Austria/Global); Water scarcity in the face of climate change (filmed in Austria/Costa Rica); and Industrial contamination (filmed in the Czech Republic).
The films are part of Good To Know, a broader educational series that highlights the benefits of nuclear science and technology, accessible both on television and online.
Future episodes will explore how nuclear science aids development, particularly in combating climate change. Topics will include measuring carbon sequestration in coastal regions, ocean acidification, pest control without chemicals and IAEA programmes addressing plastic pollution, drought and hunger.
These films are developed with support from the IAEA’s 12 specialised nuclear science laboratories, a unique feature of the United Nations, dedicated to advancing and sharing nuclear techniques globally.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said: “People may know us as the nuclear watchdog, helping enhance safety, security and safeguards in places like Fukushima, Iran and Ukraine. But not enough people know of the amazing potential nuclear science has to make tangible differences in people’s lives – helping farmers grow better crops, cancer patients get better treatment and governments understand and protect key natural areas. As the terrible effects of climate change become more obvious to people around the world, it is important for the public to also know there is hope. Science, as always, offers solutions to many of our main challenges.”
Najat Mokhtar, Head of IAEA Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, added: “I am delighted to see the vital research our labs are doing being shared on the respected Discovery Channel. Science is a vital force for good in the world, and nuclear science offers so many incredible innovations to help countries meet their development goals.”
Jamie Cooke, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Central Europe, Middle East and Turkey stated: “We are thrilled that our viewers will now get the opportunity to learn more about how nuclear science is being used in innovative ways to improve our lives and advance the environmental sustainability agenda. We consider it our duty to leverage the voice, storytelling strength and expertise we have, to cast light and tell the right stories that will positively impact our communities and viewers. It’s part of our Social Good Strategy and we want to use our media for good.”