A Climate of Change
A prelude to the 2015 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Canada produced Climate Change, which drew on expert insights from several respected scientists to allay the skepticism of global warming deniers and advocate for greater urgency…to prevent further of planetary abuse. With accessible presentations and clear, concise evidence, the film hopes to end the debate and begin the search for real solutions to a worsening global crisis.
The scientists in the film talk about different aspects of the climate crisis. Dr. Kimberly Strong is a professor of physics at the University of Toronto, where she has devoted her professional research career to measuring and studying gases and other pollutants in the atmosphere. Their findings point to dangerous trends in ozone depletion.
Dr. John Smol, professor of biology at Queen’s University, talks about changes in the Arctic. From there, scientists can easily predict upcoming global changes. What they found in the Arctic is deeply disturbing because ancient ponds and lakes are becoming shallower at an alarming rate. Richard Peltier, director of the Center for Global Change Science, outlined the dangers of rising sea levels, caused in large part by melting ice sheets and global warming.
Other experts explain the science behind water pollution, extreme weather, flooding, carbon emissions and Canada’s own volatile environmental history. All scientists agree that this whole problem is not solely caused by humans, but further catastrophe can be avoided if we as a species are willing to take appropriate steps to act.
Part of the reason for the climate change movement is the inaction of younger generations, overwhelmed by everyday struggles and incapable of effecting change in a crisis of such depth. The film uses statistics and graphs to illustrate the magnitude of the crisis, but recognizes that this alone is not enough to bring about real change. A Climate for Change also provides valuable and practical solutions to which everyone can contribute. Just knowing the problem isn’t enough, the movie says. You also need to know how to be part of the solution.
