Climate comedy: "Ain't Your Mama's Heat Wave"

Ain’t Your Mama’s Heat Wave

Greek white Earth Goddess (devi) Gaia

(Hip Hop Caucus) This special first look into Ain’t Your Mama’s Heat Wave (AYMHW) was aired on Earth Day Live’s global stream on April 22, 2020, the 50th Anniversary of "Earth Day."  

In Norfolk, Virginia, where the film takes place, rising sea levels, race, inequality, and public housing are all converging. The question is, What is the best path to prevent disaster?

AYMHW is a gripping, right now story of communities in Norfolk and the seven cities of Hampton Roads, grappling with the climate crisis and the present-day consequences of historic and persistent injustices, inequities, and inequality.

• Gaia in Deep Space | Season 3

(Think100Climate.com)

Four stand-up comedians -- hailing from Hampton Roads, Atlanta, Chicago, and Ohio -- come to Norfolk to "make the climate crisis funny."

On their journey things are not so funny when it’s clear the threats are so real they can mean life or death. But in the African American tradition of struggle, resilience, and triumph in the face of existential threats, the joy of comedy, music, dance, and art informs and empowers.

Full of relatable stories, grit, and beauty, this film helps everyone see that this climate chaos is much more than a crisis. It is an opportunity for us to right some wrongs and truly make life on planet Earth (Gaia, Tierra, Ground) better.

• 40+ names for Earth from around the world (Kidadl)

This project is being produced by Hip Hop Caucus Think 100% FILMS, in partnership with CMSI Comedy ThinkTank, and The Climate and Clean Energy Equity Fund.

• More from Think 100%: Think100Climate.com