An Inconvenient Truth

Webmaster | 14 September 2006

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An Inconvenient Truth
rated PG

reviewed by Sarah Barnett

For more information visit: http://www.climatecrisis.net/

During his vice-presidency and bid for election, Al Gore was frequently depicted as staid and passionless. Compared to the flamboyant and charming (if utterly immoral) Bill Clinton, Gore seemed colourless. It’s a characterisation at odds with the Al Gore of An Inconvenient Truth. The man once dubbed “Al Bore” by the media is anything but dull in this compelling documentary.

Following his defeat to GW Bush, Gore returned to his long-held passion – the environment, specifically the issue of global warming. Trekking around the globe, Gore took his “travelling global warming show” throughout America, Europe, Asia and the UK. Among those who impressed and surprised by Gore’s affability and fervour was director Davis Guggenheim.

In his film, An Inconvenient Truth, Guggenheim brings Gore’s show to the big screen garnering a bigger audience for this critical issue. The film also reveals Al Gore as a man unlike the popular perception of him. Warm and funny, candid and persuasive, Gore shares how personal tragedies and crises have focused his vision for change.

The issue of global warming, according to Gore and a vast number of scientists, is the single biggest threat facing our planet. From the disappearing of glaciers around the world to the spread of mosquito-borne disease to higher altitudes, the effects of global warming are already beginning to show.

The evidence is compelling and alarming yet Gore approaches his subject with optimism. When it comes to global warming too many people, he argues, go from “denial to despair”. According to Gore, it is not too late to make significant changes.

Describing the crisis facing our planet as a “moral” issue rather than a political one, Gore sees the problem of global warming as being as significant as the threat of terrorism. From the extinction of species to the increase in dramatic weather patterns, the consequences of global warming are extreme. The response of governments, business and individuals over the next decade is vital.

Gore is an effective communicator. Even those with a poor understanding of the science involved (like me) should be able to grasp his message.

What response ought Christians make to the issue of global warming and potential environmental degradation? Christians have often been reluctant to associate with “green” groups for various reasons. Obviously the prime matter of importance for believers is in bearing witness to salvation through Christ, however this does not preclude our social obligations. Perhaps it is the connection between environmentalism and a liberal stance on social issues like abortion and homosexual marriage that deters us. Whatever the reason, Christians people need to live and act responsibly. We ought to be concerned for our world even though we know that the ultimate salvation comes through Christ.

As part of Al Gore’s presentation he showed photographic images taken of the earth from space. One is the oft shown picture of our planet, large and resplendent. Another is seen less often. It is taken from another part of space where the earth is revealed as a small orb, tiny in the midst of a massive universe. At a glance our world seems insignificant and minute. Yet the creator has endowed us with meaning and value through his creation of us and his continuing love for us.

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