Shocking, riveting and at times intensely emotional, An Inconvenient Sequel documents the tireless struggle of former US Vice President Al Gore as he continues his global fight against climate change.
Al Gore has been travelling around the world, with the aim of educating government leaders, community leaders and environmental revolutionaries alike on the impacts of climate change. Cameras follow the self-confessed ‘recovering politician’ everywhere he goes, documenting the emotional ups and downs that come with persuading government leaders to invest in renewable energy. The film comes a decade after An Inconvenient Truth put the controversial topic of climate change in the spotlight, pushing the issue deeper into the heart of popular culture. The first film kicked off a large-scale political debate between the world’s most prominent and powerful figureheads. An Inconvenient Sequel doesn’t shy away from the cold hard truth, showing shocking footage of extreme flooding in heavily populated cities in India and parts of America. It also shows visible evidence of climate change as sea levels rise in freezing Antarctica. As the film progresses it becomes apparent that what started out as a simple but profound slide show lecture has now become a funny and poignant yet informative cinematic experience for audiences, which at times can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared for the harsh reality of it all. The film delves deep into the social, political and economic aspects of tackling climate change. In it, Gore comes up against one of the most wealthy and powerful industries the world has ever known, fossil fuels, as he attempts to influence international climate policy in the lead up to an energy revolution, culminating in the landmark signing of 2016’s Paris Agreement. At times both devastating and discouraging, An Inconvenient Sequel gives a necessary insight into the drastic and far-reaching effects of climate change. But despite the urgency of the issue, it ultimately leaves you with the confidence that climate change can be overcome with human willpower, passion and imagination. An Inconvenient Truth is on general release now.
