NYT/AP: British to show Al Gore movie, "An Inconvenient Truth," in all secondary schools

[DeepModem Mom]

British to Show Al Gore Movie in Schools
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 2, 2007

LONDON (AP) -- Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore's global warming documentary will be sent to every secondary school in England as part of a campaign to tackle climate change, the government said Friday.

Environment Secretary David Miliband and Education Secretary Alan Johnson announced plans to distribute Gore's film, ''An Inconvenient Truth,'' on the day the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report was published in Paris. The report by leading scientists, said global warming has started and is ''very likely'' caused by humans.

''The debate over the science of climate change is well and truly over, as demonstrated by the publication of today's report by the IPCC,'' Miliband said. ''Our energies should now be channeled into how we respond in an innovative and positive way in moving to a low-carbon future.''

In the film, Gore warns that unless action is taken to reduce carbon emissions soon, global warming will have disastrous implications for the environment.

''Children are the key to changing society's long-term attitudes to the environment,'' Johnson said. ''Not only are they passionate about saving the planet, but children also have a big influence over their own families' lifestyles and behavior.''...

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-Britain-Inconvenient-Truth.html

[halobeam]

1. APPLAUSE

I've been coaxing my kids into bringing it up in science class... the issue, that is. Unfortunately, for those who have their head in the sand, they believe it's a political issue, the movie that is.

My response to that is, well, I'll be deleted for having the most foul language... so I'll skip that part...

These kids are going to be burdened with what? A rain forest that turned 2/3 desert by 2040? The task of finding food? Wars for water? They had better be educated on the facts, and if not?

Well, the CONTEMPT they would feel for us, would be the only thing they have left to swallow.

[WindRavenX]

2. wow, America really sucks

I find it hilarious that we're still ok with ignoring global warming. I can't believe his film is counted as a mere opinion that needs a "counter" if it is to be shown in school :eyes:

[DeepModem Mom]

4. We are fiddling in ignorance while things burn around us! nt

[MountainLaurel]

8. Pretty much

:cry:

[maddezmom]

3. It's already been shown at my children's school

Parents and children of all ages attended(pre-k thru 12). :)

[DeepModem Mom]

5. Kudos to your school! nt

[WindRavenX]

6. awesome sauce!

:)

[T_i_B]

7. Tory blogs are already up in arms about this.

Myself, I certainly think that children should be taught about climate change in Geography lessons, although I'm not sure if showing Al Gore's film is the best way to go about it. I don't think there can be any doubt that climate change is a reality. Besides, how else are they going to be able to understand what the Independent is gibbering on about on it's front page every other day?

[muriel_volestrangler]

9. Better add Diana to history lessons, for the Express's front pages, then

:D

[Lisa]

10. another big thumbs-up for the David Attenborough doc ...

He uses a lot more British examples, so the younger kids (who might not be into the US political stuff) might enjoy it even more.

On the plus side, people outside of the US who see the Gore movie will come away knowing that there are lots of Americans who do want to tackle global warming and do not agree with Bush.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

11. K & R