Sierra's January/February 2008 Let's Talk selection: Everything's Cool
A film by Daniel Gold and Judith Helfand Review by Jennifer Hattam
What it's about
When even Oprah is talking about global warming, it's clear the issue has hit the mainstream. So why are so many people still blase about climate change? In examining the causes of this complacency, this documentary profiles some of the people who are trying to wake Americans up, including a government whistle-blower, a ski-resort employee who brews his own biodiesel fuel, and an appealingly nerdy climatologist who's turning science into on-camera sound bites. everythingscool.org
Where to get it Everything's Cool is available on DVD. You can also check the film's Web site for theatrical screenings near you.
About the filmmakers
Daniel Gold and Judith Helfand previously worked together on the Emmy-nominated documentary Blue Vinyl. They also co-teach a class on documentary filmmaking at the New School in New York City. Gold is the founder of Hidden Rhythm Pictures and Helfand is the cofounder of Chicken & Egg Pictures, an organization that provides grants and services for women filmmakers.
Discussion questions
Do you think the issue of global warming will be a bigger factor in the 2008 election than it was in 2004? Why or why not?
What are businesses, organizations, or leaders in your community doing about global warming?
The film talks frequently about the gap between scientific and public understanding of climate change. What do you think it will take to close that gap? Are any of the people in the film on the right track?
What do you think about Bill McKibben's assertion that "the economy has become more real than the physical world"? What ramifications do you think this has for the future?
Do you agree with Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus's belief that environmentalists have been giving an "I have a nightmare" speech? If so, what would be a more hopeful or motivating approach?
Links
Share a story (in words, photos, or video) about how climate change is affecting you on the film's Web site.
Get the latest news about global warming at Ross Gelbspan's site, The Heat Is Online.
