An Inconvenient Truth (film)
**An Inconvenient Truth (film) Overview**
"An Inconvenient Truth" is an Oscar-winning documentary that focuses on the urgent issue of global warming, presented by former Vice President Al Gore. The film is based on Gore's extensive research and slide presentations about climate change, which he developed over decades, starting with his 1992 book "Earth in the Balance." The documentary explores the greenhouse effect and how human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, contribute to rising global temperatures.
While the film was praised for raising awareness about climate change, it also sparked controversy. Some scientists and critics challenged its conclusions, arguing over the interpretations of specific data and the causal relationships drawn in the film. Notably, a 2007 British High Court ruling acknowledged errors in the film while allowing it to be shown in schools with accompanying guidance. Despite the criticisms, "An Inconvenient Truth" significantly influenced public discourse on environmental issues, leading to increased efforts in addressing climate change.
The film inspired a range of initiatives, including the establishment of programs for alternative energy sources and the incorporation of climate science into school curricula in multiple countries. Gore's message emphasizes individual responsibility and small lifestyle changes, while also highlighting the potential for economic opportunities in combating climate change. Through its impactful narrative, "An Inconvenient Truth" has played a crucial role in shaping contemporary discussions about the environment.
An Inconvenient Truth (film)
Identification: A documentary detailing Al Gore’s efforts to draw attention to the issue of global warming
Director: Davis Guggenheim (b. 1963)
Date: Released January 24, 2006
The Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth polarized much of the country. Though many believed its message about the threat of global warming, others, including some scientists, declared global warming a myth. Though the scientific community largely acknowledged the changes in the earth’s climate, their causes were the subject of much debate.
An Inconvenient Truth grew out of the personal and professional experiences of Al Gore. He first wrote about climate change in his 1992 book Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit. During that time, he created a slide show about global warming. Later, while serving as vice president of the United States from 1993 to 2000, he and President Bill Clinton worked to protect the environment, though they faced opposition from Republicans in Congress.
In 2000, Gore ran for president but lost. Later, he believed the environmental progress that had been made under Clinton was being eroded under President George W. Bush. Gore began traveling and speaking about environmental issues, using his slide show to illustrate his points.
The basic premise of global warming is that some of the sun’s light waves are trapped by the earth’s atmosphere, keeping the planet warm enough to support life—a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. Human activity, including the use of carbon fuels, increases greenhouse gases, which thicken the atmosphere. If too much of the sun’s heat is trapped in the atmosphere, the earth’s temperature rises. Gore’s presentation detailed various environmental trends that indicate this is what is happening in the world today.
In the decade after he first created the environmental slide show, Gore added more information and made improvements. His wife, Tipper, encouraged him to write another book using elements of the slide show. Gore introduced his data in a PowerPoint presentation at locations around the country, speaking to several hundred people at a time. Film producer Laurie David attended one of these events. She and producer Lawrence Bender spoke to Gore about creating a film based on his slide-show presentation to bring his message to a wider audience. David and Bender recruited Jeffrey Skoll, founder of Participant Productions, and Davis Guggenheim, a director, to help persuade Gore to do the project.
The data presented in An Inconvenient Truth draws connections between subjects without stipulating causal relationships. Though scientists speculated that such things as changes in the prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases have been caused by climate change, no clear relationships had been proven. However, while some scientists quibbled with details, overall, most agreed that climate change was an issue that must be addressed.
Controversy and Criticism
A number of individuals and organizations challenged Gore’s information and conclusions. Global warming was argued on many fronts, including as a scientific, an economic, and a political issue. Even among those who agreed that climate change was a concern, there was often disagreement about what should be done to address it.
In the United Kingdom, where the film was added to the science curriculum of primary schools, a legal challenge resulted in a 2007 British High Court ruling that the film contains scientific errors. The nine errors cited included attribution of snowcap melting on Mount Kilimanjaro to human-induced global warming. The court ruled that the film could still be shown to students but must be accompanied by guidance notes.
Prospects for Change
Gore has cited a number of factors that have allowed global warming to continue, in particular population growth, technology, and human shortsightedness. He has noted that his message is one of warning but also of opportunity, because the dangers of global warming present new prospects in industry and employment.
Despite the serious nature of his data, Gore remained optimistic about fostering change. He advocated small changes individuals can make, such as lowering thermostats in their homes, driving less, and recycling. Gore donated all profits from the book and the film to efforts to combat global warming.
Impact
The documentary served to open widespread debate and discussion of climate change. Increased interest encouraged a number of organizations and programs to address global warming. Perhaps more important, the film generated discussion of environmental issues among the general public. Many programs were launched to help individuals and families chart the environmental impact of their actions. More effort was made to develop alternative energy sources. Such products as hybrid cars and solar panels became more readily available, and businesses to serve these markets developed.
Government action following the release of An Inconvenient Truth included the establishment by Congress of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming and passage of a climate-change bill, the Waxman-Markey Bill, in 2009. Elsewhere, An Inconvenient Truth was incorporated into school curricula in five countries, including England and New Zealand.
Bibliography
Archer, David. Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2011. Print.
Freedland, Jonathan. “Born Again.” Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 30 May 2006. Web. 6 Aug. 2012.
Gore, Al. An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do about It. New York: Rodale, 2006. Print.
Gore, Al. Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis. New York: Rodale, 2009. Print.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis: Working Group I Contribution to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007. New York: Cambridge UP, 2007. Print.
Peck, Sally. “Al Gore’s ‘Nine Inconvenient Untruths.’” Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 11 Oct. 2007. Web. 6 Aug. 2012.