Do the right thing - A review of “An Inconvenient Truth”.
I went along to a preview screening of An Inconvenient Truth tonight, obviously curious to see what has been dubbed by some as the “greatest slideshow on Earth”. Al Gore, who introduces himself as the former next US President, has been a passionate advocate of action in response to global warming for many decades. The film segues between autobiographical snippets and dramatic displays showing the science behind, and the impact of global warming.
The following clip shows a small extract from the film, and, if you’ve been reading this blog for a while you are sure to have seen the trailer.
Gore’s strengths are his deep knowledge, furthered by his considerable personal connections, and his obvious passion. Gore pulls together a vast array of ‘old friends’ such as the late great Carl Sagan, to explain the science of global warming and why it’s bad. And certainly not too many of us could jump aboard a nuclear submarine to go check out the thinning arctic ice for himself?
The film avoids overt political partisanship but can’t resist a few digs at the Bush administration. Its message is complex and at times shocking, but its message is ultimately one of hope. Gore reiterates the point that global warming is a moral issue, indeed it presents the greatest ethical challenge we have ever collectively faced. He stresses that, much as it is we, the people, who are responsible for global warming, it is also we the people who, by changing our behaviour, and by funding emissions reductions schemes through economic mechanisms such as carbon credits, we can all, as he puts it “do the right thing,” and avert the ultimate human catastrophe, the end of civilisation as we know it.
If you are serious about helping fight climate change then I urge you to see this film, and to take people you know with you. If you think global warming is a hoax, a joke, or just don’t give a damn, then frankly there’s nothing anyone can do for you. Let’s just hope that enough people take this, and other warnings seriously and really do “do the right thing”.
What can you do?
- Reduce your CO2 emissions as much as you can by driving less, flying less, and using less power. Even just switching your TV and DVD player off at the wall can save heaps of power
- Gradually, as you replace your older electrical equipment, choose low-energy, high efficiency appliances
- If you must drive, when your current car is up for replacement, choose a car with the best possible fuel economy
- Switch, where possible, to ‘green energy’
- Make your life CO2 free by commissioning a detailed CO2 emissions audit and offsetting your emissions by buying properly certified carbon credits
- Spread the word. We are the cause of global warming, and we can turn it around. Encourage your friends and family to follow your lead
You can be the change. — DS
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