An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power 

The follow-up to Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth is a challenging watch which provides a balance of near-despair and hope, writes Nicky Bull

This new film – to mark ten years since the award-winning An Inconvenient Truth – was screened in 340 local cinemas on Friday 11 August 2017, a week before its UK general release, and was preceded by a live Q&A interview with Al Gore.

Former US Vice-President Gore is an energetic, tireless and passionate advocate for tackling the issue of climate change but he also, very notably, does not get either angry or rude when dealing with people who oppose him or try to undermine his case.

This came across not only in the film, but also as the interview opened and a heckler invaded the stage: the man was calmly and swiftly removed and Al Gore carried on regardless and with no complaint.

This humility probably helps to explain why he appears to have a wide circle of contacts and friends who respect him and are prepared to listen and to help – which became very clear when, towards the end of An Inconvenient Sequel, his role in encouraging India’s participation in the Paris 2015 COP agreement was explained.

This was a hugely challenging film, its incredible shots of melting glaciers and newsreel footage of extreme weather events paired with conversations, negotiations and coverage of the worldwide trainings that Gore organises through his Climate Reality Project, providing a balance of near-despair and hope.

Ultimately it is a hopeful film, but the realisation of that hope depends crucially on the mobilising of public opinion and the ‘people power’ to change laws and corporate planning.

The film’s website offers many ideas for taking action, under the banner #BEINCONVENIENT. While much of the detail is US-focused, the main principles apply to all of us: use your choice, use your voice, use your vote. The challenge now is to get involved and become part of the solution. 
 

Nicky Bull is chair of Operation Noah, an ecumenical Christian charity providing leadership, focus and inspiration in response to the growing threat of catastrophic climate change, and a member of her local Baptist church in Tring. This review was first published on the website of Operation Noah, and is republished with permission