Christopher Nolan's latest film, Oppenheimer, has been making headlines for its stunning practical effects, particularly the recreation of the Trinity Test, the first-ever atomic explosion.

The decision to forgo CGI in favour of realism has garnered praise from many, but there's a hidden cost to these explosive sequences: the impact on the environment!

In the film industry, pyrotechnics and practical effects have been staples for creating impressive explosions since the early 1900s. From controlled detonations to massive fireballs, these effects have brought excitement to audiences worldwide.

However, what many fail to realise is the environmental toll that comes with such visual spectacles.

Special effects in films, especially large-scale explosions, can lead to increased carbon emissions and waste generation. Debris from collapsing sets and pyrotechnic materials often ends up in landfills, contributing to pollution.

Moreover, the transportation of heavy equipment and the energy consumption required for these effects further add to the environmental burden.

The film industry is already a significant polluter, with big-budget blockbusters producing thousands of metric tonnes of carbon dioxide. A recent study called for the industry to address its environmental impact more actively.

With practical effects contributing significantly to these emissions, the ecological consequences of Oppenheimer's explosive scenes could be substantial.