Introduction
An inconvenient truth is a documentary film by Al gore to educate the globe about the impact of global warming and the danger that the world faces with continued neglect of environmental concerns. There are many scientific facts explained in the film, including how the earth has increased its average temperature by 1.4 degrees (since 1880), how the arctic is warming and how glaciers and mountain snows are melting (Gore 2).
This paper explains two main issues highlighted in the documentary film. These issues include what causes global warming and how the world can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, in reference to the documentary’s aim of increasing awareness regarding global warming, this paper also explains the Kyoto protocol and the IPCC. This analysis is done systematically.
What Causes Global Warming
According to an inconvenient truth, the real causes of global warming are depicted in our activities as “man”. Possibly, our input as consumers of environmentally unfriendly activities may have informed the title of the film because, as beneficiaries of environmentally friendly activities, we contribute to the destruction of our planet.
This is the inconvenient truth. However, the film, explains that the emission of greenhouse gases is the primary cause of global warming (Gore 2). Greenhouse gas emissions are caused by man’s activities, which mainly involve the burning of fossil fuel and the emission of harmful gases in the atmosphere. Rapid industrialization and increased use of fossil energy is singled as the main contributor to the emission of greenhouse gases (Gore 2).
How to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions
Inconvenient truth does not show an all-gloomy scenario where we are helpless at saving our planet. Instead, it shows that there is hope for the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Based on this understanding, the film explains that the use of renewable energy, the use of energy efficient equipment, the reduction of our energy use and the preservation of our environment are possible ways of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions (Gore 2).
The film further explains that the responsibility to reduce greenhouse gases rests with individuals (as much as it is the responsibility of the state). Being more mindful about the destruction that our economic activities inflict on the environment is therefore the first step of reducing the environmental burden of our activities (Gore 2). Whatever step taken afterwards is therefore a step in the right direction
Kyoto Protocol and IPCC
The Kyoto protocol and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) were established to check the impact of greenhouse gas emission by different states. For example, the Kyoto protocol was endorsed by different states to manage their greenhouse gas emissions (Rinpoche 9).
The Kyoto protocol is therefore one among many legal provisions which check the emission of greenhouse gases. According to an inconvenient truth, the IPCC informs the Kyoto protocol because the latter is based on scientific reports developed by the IPCC. The main role of the IPCC is therefore to carry out scientific research to assess the impact of man’s activities on the environment (Rinpoche 9).
Conclusion
The film, an inconvenient truth, stands out as a public campaign tool to expose the impact of man’s activities on the environment. Emphasis is given on the different dynamics of global warming and how the planet is at danger due to the continued destruction of key environmental resources.
The explanation of the Kyoto protocol and the IPCC is an attempt to show the various political steps taken to curb the phenomenon. This explanation is meant to create more awareness about global warming. The discussion regarding the causes of global warming, and how we can reduce its impact is also an invitation for people to take responsibility for the current circumstances plaguing our planet. Comprehensively, the inconvenient truth approaches the global warming phenomenon from a holistic perspective.
Works Cited
Gore, Albert. An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming And What We Can Do About It. New York: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2006. Print.
Rinpoche, Lama. Dear Lama Zopa: Radical Solutions for Transforming Problems Into Happiness. New York: Wisdom Publications, 2007. Print.