Global warming is the biggest issue facing humanity, but it’s one that is extremely controversial.
Well, it’s not controversial to most scientists – they almost uniformly accept it’s happening and have the evidence to prove it.
No, it’s vested interests, politicians and some ordinary folk with their heads in the sand who just don’t want to acknowledge it.
To make sure we don’t turn away from the issue, Al Gore is back with An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power his latest documentary which combines evidence, stern warnings and a dose of hope for mankind and the planet we inhabit.
Much of the film follows Gore around as he gives speeches, meets world leaders and creates training institutes for climate change educators. We see a cascade of terrible images of floods and storms, melting glaciers and cities where pollution darkens the skies and stops the sun shining.
What I liked about this film is that it carefully unfolds the situation we are facing, and deftly slaps back the criticisms both Gore and climate science have received. But it doesn’t just point the finger at the biggest polluters or intransigent politicians. We are all implicated in this mess, but Gore gives us a way out of it.
What becomes obvious is that most countries in the world desire change, but are caught between needing to develop their infrastructure and care for the environment.
A perfect example is India which is facing an energy crisis. Their planned solution was the building of 400 coal fired power stations which would basically doom us all. Getting them to change their minds and find an alternative to coal is one of the most engrossing parts of this film. It also highlights the incredible amount of horse trading that must go on to bring about change.
There was a brief reference to one source of climate change that should give New Zealanders pause – the farming of livestock is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. That one aspect could have huge implications for an economy dependent on farming.
An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power is a timely reminder of the problems we face across the world, and the powerful interests that are determined to prevent a solution. This film will challenge your assumptions, scare the hell out of you and yet, give you some hope for the future.
An Inconvenient Sequel : Truth to Power
Directed by Jon Shenk, Bonni Cohen
99 Minutes
In cinemas 24th August 2017
