A Search for Unity

I was inspired to formally start this little enterprise yesterday, after watching that much-anticipated film by Al Gore about global warming - An Inconvenient Truth. And it is about that film that I write.

I think the film carries three messages:

• Firstly, that global warming exists, that it is happening at an alarming rate, and that the consequences of it are generally undesirable and already apparent.
• Secondly, that we as the human race have a very large role to play in this problem.
• Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, that we can do something about it.

There is throughout the script an implicit attack on the present US administration regarding its policy on the environment—an attack which in my opinion is perfectly justified—and a more explicit beatification of Mr Gore. Many will say that it's all just politics. I agree, partly. After all, the film is targeting the American audience in particular.

But I don't object to this. I think that if it has the desired effect—which in my mind is to make the people realise just how important this issue is, and to therefore exercise their democratic right to demand that it be dealt with by their government—then something positive has been achieved. If this means electing Al Gore instead of George Bush (who, lets face it, has demonstrated ample disdain for the subject as a whole) at the next opportunity, then good. I only hope that Mr Gore or anyone else on his bandwagon will then carry out their promises.

But what struck me most was the way in which the message of the film came across so easily, so understandably. Packed full of all sorts of well thought out visual effects and images, and accompanied by the adept oratory of Al Gore, it was an entertaining and immersive 90 minutes. As he himself said repeatedly, the problem is not just political, it is moral. Putting politics aside, there is a lot that each of us can do as individuals—more so when we understand the need for doing it.

The best that can come of this is that people become more aware, and more willing to change those old habits. Myself included. I recommend watching this film (and I don't do that often, I assure you!), and further I recommend taking on board its message—one which is of great import.