“THE RESEARCHER” IT IS A DOCUFILM THAT COMBINES REFLECTION, COURAGE AND PERSONAL COMMITMENT. THE PURPOSE IS TO GET THE SPECTATOR TO QUESTION THEMSELVES ABOUT CRUCIAL ISSUES SUCH AS THE CLIMATE CRISIS AND HOW MUCH INDIVIDUAL CHOICES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. DIRECTED BY PAOLO CASALIS, IT TELLS THE STORY OF GIANLUCA GRIMALDA, A RESEARCHER WHO PREFERRED TO LOSE HIS JOB BUT NOT BETRAY HIS ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES
The story of Gianluca Grimalda, the Researcher
Gianluca Grimalda, climatologist affiliated with Kiel Institute for the World Economybased in Germany, spent six months in Papua New Guinea for work to study the impact of climate change on local populations. Out of respect for the environment and its values, Grimalda chose not to take a flight back to Germany, opting instead for a 72-day sustainable journey through sixteen countries, using trains, ships, buses and taxis.
Grimalda chose to share her decision publicly through social media, publishing photos and telling the details of the different stages of her return journey. Despite the frequent criticism and insults received online, he has maintained his commitment with determination.
This ethically admirable, but very challenging, choice cost him his job and a subsequent legal defeat against his institute, which did not recognize the climate emergency as a valid justification for the delay.
A journey characterized by coherence and respect for the environment
During its return, Grimalda covered more than 26 thousand kilometres, reducing CO emissions tenfold2 compared to those of a plane flight and arriving home on December 24th with only 4 euros in your pocket. This adventure, documented with his cell phone thanks to the instructions of director Paolo Casalis, has become a symbolic journey and a powerful message for sustainability.
The shooting “casarecce” equally do justice to the wonderful landscapes, which brought him back to Europe from Papua New Guinea, which the researcher was lucky enough to get to know during his journey, underlining thedevastating impact of climate change on villages.
A documentary film of denunciation and hope for a more sustainable future
“The Researcher” it doesn’t just tell a personal story, but raises universal questions. The documentary highlights how the transport sector contributes to 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions and highlights that, although airplanes represent only 5% of these, their impact is disproportionate to the population that uses them. For Grimalda, flying accounted for 90% of its carbon footprint, an unacceptable figure for those fighting climate change.
Grimalda’s point of view
In the film, Grimalda offers direct and incisive reflections: «Climate change is the most complex cooperative problem humanity has ever faced, and it requires action from everyone, even if not everyone bears the same responsibility». He also denounces the hypocrisy of the fossil industry, which continues to invest in fuels despite being aware of their impact since the 1970s.
Why look “The Researcher”
This documentary film, now available on Amazon Prime, “The Researcher” invites everyone to reflect on their actions and on the urgency of collective change for the future of the planet. This gesture represents a courageous action and a clear demonstration that every individual can contribute to change.
Many may have thought: “Who made him do it?”but if everyone decides to do their part, climate change and the future of the planet might still have a chance. His choice, however strong and questionable for some, showed how even a single person can make a difference for the world.