New film fuels climate change debate

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Friends of the earth to screen documentary

Friends of the Earth (Ealing and Hounslow local groups) will lead a discussion about climate change and brainstorm solutions after a screening of the explosive new feature film documentary An Inconvenient Truth this weekend.

The discussion will take place in the bar at Watermans arts centre, 40 Brentford High Street, TW8 0DS, following the 6.15pm screening of the film in the Watermans cinema on Sunday 8 October.

Film-goers will also be invited to make a green pledge, however big or small, to show their commitment to being part of the solution.

An Inconvenient Truth explores the myths and misconceptions about climate change by following former US vice president Al Gore on his personal crusade to halt this global problem in its tracks. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, the film was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival.

All the UK’s major political parties say climate change is the biggest threat facing mankind. Yet emissions of carbon dioxide continue to rise. That's why Friends of the Earth’s Big Ask campaign is calling on MPs to pass a law that would demand emissions to be cut by three per cent every year.

Ealing Friends of the Earth campaigner Virginia Fassnidge said: “We invite all local residents to see this extraordinary film, and join us in the bar afterwards on Sunday for an informal discussion about the film and the issues it presents. The truth hurts, but we owe it to future generations to take action now. This is a problem that affects us all and ignoring it won’t make it go away. We are both the villains and the victims in this story.

“Renewable energy is the key to tackling climate change on a global scale. The more renewable energy we use, the cheaper the supply will become, and it’s concerning to think that this vast resource has remained largely untapped, even though we’ve had the technology to harness it for decades. Combined with the small changes that each and every one of us can make in our daily lives, we can start to reverse the damage that has already been done.

“Try walking, riding or catching public transport to work instead of driving. Explore Britain during your holidays, instead of travelling abroad. Choose local food that has not been transported half-way across the world. Make sure your house is properly insulated and heat your home sparingly and appropriately. And of course, don’t forget to switch off lights and appliances. These are just a few simple suggestions.

“We’ll also be inviting film-goers to make a climate-change pledge. However big or small, we can all commit to do something that will reduce our contribution to the problem.”

 

October 2, 2006