A recent study suggests that some US bloggers are using the popular fantasy drama watched by almost 20 million viewers as a tool to raise awareness about climate change. Manjana Milkoreit, a research fellow at Arizona State University, noted that bloggers, including scientists and science communicators, are using "Game of Thrones" to spark public conversations about the dangers of global warming. This use of the show is part of a larger trend in climate change fiction, or "cli-fi", aimed at making the topic more engaging and less intimidating for the general public. Milkoreit explained that by discussing climate change in the context of the show and highlighting potential solutions, bloggers hope to encourage more people to get involved in addressing this global issue. The climate concerns in the fictional world of Westeros may not seem important to those who are not familiar with it, but they have sparked lively debates online in the United States about the impact of global warming. Milkoreit, a sustainability fellow, discovered six climate-focused blogs related to "Game of Thrones" in 2013, which grew to eight blogs the following year. She predicts that the new season of the show will lead to even more discussions. The blogs draw comparisons between how the people of Westeros react to the impending threat of winter and how the real world responds to climate change, helping to explain the complex relationship between climate change and politics. Fantasy or reality? Some bloggers see the White Walkers in "Game of Thrones" as a representation of the threat of climate change, while others compare the Night's Watch to scientists warning about impending problems. The connection to climate change in the show may not be as obvious as in other films like "The Day After Tomorrow" and "Snowpiercer," which directly focus on the issue. There is disagreement among academics about how effective these types of films are in raising awareness and prompting action among viewers. Elizabeth Trobaugh, a teacher at Holyoke Community College, believes that such films can help the cause of climate change awareness. "For many people who watch movies, these climate fiction films may just seem like action films, but for others, they serve to raise awareness and generate interest in the environment," she stated. However, Ted Howell, who teaches a climate fiction class at Temple University in Philadelphia, believes that viewers may have misconceptions about the reality of climate change. "Some individuals believe that climate change will manifest as a catastrophic tidal wave or massive snowstorm, when in reality, it is a slower process," he explained. Striking a balance between an engaging storyline and scientific accuracy can be challenging, but Milkoreit believes that it is important to strive for this in order to effectively address climate change issues. "It is crucial to involve people in a way that is enjoyable and does not deter them," she emphasized.