UK study on Star Wars" environmental impact begins in 2022

A study examining the environmental impact of the Star Wars films began in 2022 at the Open University and is set to conclude in March. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the £200,000 project aims to analyze the carbon footprint of various props and costumes, including the iconic R2D2 and lightsabers. Researchers discovered that 21 R2D2 units were created between 1976 and 1998, with significant carbon emissions associated with their production. For instance, the R2D2 from the 1977 film emitted 686.08 kgCO2, while the version from 2002's Attack of the Clones produced 4,248.15 kgCO2. The study highlights the environmental consequences of filmmaking, noting that the emissions from the 1977 R2D2 would take a full-grown tree nearly 33 years to offset. The research also aims to contribute to a broader understanding of the environmental, militaristic, and socioeconomic histories of the Star Wars franchise. Principal investigator Rebecca Harrison emphasized the importance of examining the sustainability practices within the film industry, particularly given the significant carbon output of major productions. Critics of the study, such as Andrew Montford from Net Zero Watch, argue that funding for such projects is excessive and misallocated, suggesting that it supports a network of academics without delivering tangible benefits. In contrast, supporters from the Open University assert that research in arts and humanities can yield substantial societal benefits, particularly in promoting sustainability in the film and television sectors. The project aims to use the popularity of Star Wars to encourage smaller UK-based productions to adopt more sustainable practices, addressing the urgent need for change in an industry known for its high carbon emissions.