Opening Day: An Inconvenient Truth

How Should I Spend My Time on This Earth?

Last night I was invited to attend a pre-screening of An Inconvenient Truth, which opens today in select South Florida theaters. It was a packed house, with attendees from all ages.

I can now officially suggest that greenerMIAMI readers go see this movie. Part documentary, part presentation, Al Gore breaks down lots of scientific data into bite-sized, easy to understand pieces. He also goes into all of the misconceptions and shows data that proves them wrong.

After you see the movie (check theaters & times here), come back and let’s have a discussion about it. Some of the thoughts on my mind last night after seeing the movie: Why is this a political issue? What is it about California that makes them so ahead of the game? How can we make a difference at a local, grassroots level? Plus, special props to the people that notice the tiny clip with Miami in it!

After the pre-screening, a small panel was available to take questions from the audience. Included in this panel were the Earthman, Barry Heimlich – Director of Broward Audubon Society, Erik Ofengand from the local Greenpeace chapter, congressional candidate Michael Calderin FL-25 (D), and Sara (?) – a marine biologist at UM.

Q: How can we use the political system to change this problem?

A: (People in the theater yelling, "Vote!") Calderin – working to fix the problem creates jobs and wealth. Heimlich – Seattle made a commitment to Kyoto and has achieve 60% of their goal in 2 years, when the original deadline was set for 2012. Some cities in Dade & Broward have signed onto Kyoto. His goal is to get every city in Broward on board. Grassroots programs can work. Start with yourself, lower energy usage at home; when it is time to buy a new car, buy one with better mileage.

Q: I’m a teacher in Miami Norland Senior High School, can we get a copy of this to show in the schools?

A: Right now the release is just in the theaters. Group sales are available. After the film finishes the theater circuit, other opportunities will be available.

Q: I’d like everyone on the panel to answer these questions…Do you own a bike? How old is your car? When was the last time you’ve used public transportation? Do you have the ability to recycle in your condo? These are all problems here in Miami Beach.

A: (summary) Some complaints about the bus system. The scientist convinced her condo to begin recycling. Calderin uses Metrorail sometimes to travel between downtown and Kendall.

Q: Tell businesses to raise the thermostat…it’s too cold in theaters, schools, hospitals. People should bring it up when in a public space.

A: Calderin – We need to focus on more efficient, smaller systems.

Comment: Shops here on Lincoln Road have their doors wide open and the A/C comes right out onto the street.

Comment: Targeting the kids in our schools is too late. You need to get all of the congressional staff on the hill to see this movie.

Q: Where is the local Greenpeace office?

A: We don’t have an office right now. I’m collecting names & contact information for more information.

Q: Is this being released in Red & Blue states? I feel like we are preaching to the choir.

A: Being released in various theaters across the country, red & blue. We need to continue the chain. One person at a time. Consider installing solar/wind power in your home.

Q: What are you doing at UM to reach out to other programs within the school such as architecture?

A: I spend my time talking to developers, trying to convince them not to cut down mangroves, etc.

What, you’re still reading? Go see the movie!