Amusing observation of the day:
Modern mecha series (and by modern, I mean as far back as the early 90s, perhaps even going back to the original Gundam) frequently start with "there was an ecological catastrophe, and, then, mecha".
Partial list:
- Mobile Suit Gundam (all continuities, pretty much)
- Genesis Climber MOSPEADA
- Eureka 7 (arguable)
- Evangelion (*shudder*)
- Rah Xephon
- King Gainer
- Aquarion
- Brain Powered
- Fafner (at least supposedly, I didn't watch beyond the first episode)
- Stellvia
- Orguss