An Inconvenient Truth
*"An Inconvenient Truth"* is a landmark climate change documentary that highlights the urgent need to address global warming. Released in 2006 and featuring former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, the film aims to raise public awareness about the escalating climate crisis driven primarily by human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions. Through a compelling blend of scientific data, personal narrative, and striking visuals, the documentary articulates the causes and consequences of climate change, including rising sea levels, ecological disruptions, and increased natural disasters. The film encourages viewers to recognize climate change not only as an environmental issue but as a serious moral dilemma demanding immediate action. The significance of *An Inconvenient Truth* extends beyond its initial release, as it played a pivotal role in shaping the global discourse surrounding climate change. The documentary has been influential in driving conversations about carbon emissions and the necessity of sustainability strategies, ultimately contributing to heightened awareness and advocacy for environmental protection. Gore’s presentation is anchored in hard-hitting global warming facts and aims to motivate both individuals and governments to adopt more responsible policies and practices. As climate change continues to pose a significant threat to the planet, the themes explored in *An Inconvenient Truth* remain critically relevant, reminding us that informed action is essential to safeguard our future against environmental degradation.
How accurate were the predictions in Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth' regarding climate change?
While not everything in Al Gore's film was perfectly accurate, much of it contained solid scientific backing. Some predictions were off in timing - for example, his projection that CO2 would reach 600 parts per million was estimated to happen in 50 years, but scientists now predict this by century's end, making him about 50 years early. The film's simulation showing New York City underwater was based on a scenario of Greenland's ice sheet breaking apart, which hasn't occurred. However, many core climate concerns have proven valid, with CO2 levels rising significantly from 380 ppm when the film was made to over 420 ppm today, confirming the troubling trend scientists agree upon.
Watch clip answer (01:01m)
ABC News
00:50 - 01:51
What happened to Al Gore's prediction about the snows of Kilimanjaro?
Al Gore predicted that the snows of Kilimanjaro would disappear within a decade, but this prediction proved to be inaccurate. While it still snows on Kilimanjaro today, the overall trend is concerning, with 2024 recording the lowest snowfall on record for the mountain. Despite the inaccuracy in the timeline, the underlying concern about glacier loss is valid. Since 2000, global warming has led to the disappearance of thousands of glaciers around the Earth, highlighting that while specific predictions may not materialize exactly as forecasted, the broader climate change impacts remain serious and observable.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)ABC News
01:59 - 02:20
How accurate were Al Gore's CO2 predictions in 'An Inconvenient Truth'?
Al Gore's CO2 predictions in 'An Inconvenient Truth' contained solid science but weren't entirely accurate. When the film was made, CO2 levels were at 380 parts per million, and Gore predicted they would reach approximately 600 parts per million within 50 years. Currently, levels have risen to 427 parts per million, showing a significant increase but not at the pace Gore projected. According to Columbia University, CO2 levels will likely reach Gore's predicted threshold by the end of the century rather than within the 50-year timeframe he suggested. While his core message about rising CO2 levels was correct, his timeline was approximately 50 years too early.
Watch clip answer (00:36m)ABC News
01:03 - 01:39
Did Al Gore predict that New York City would be underwater by the year 2000?
No, this claim misrepresents Al Gore's documentary 'An Inconvenient Truth.' The documentary was released in 2006, making it impossible for Gore to have predicted New York City would be underwater by 2000 in this film. This misconception is frequently cited by climate change deniers as supposed evidence that climate change is a hoax. Such mischaracterizations of Gore's statements and the documentary's content are commonly used to dismiss climate science, despite the actual predictions and timeline presented in the documentary being different from what critics claim.
Watch clip answer (00:27m)ABC News
00:00 - 00:27
What has climate evidence shown in the nearly 20 years since Al Gore's documentary 'An Inconvenient Truth'?
In the two decades following Al Gore's influential documentary, the accumulated scientific evidence consistently confirms that our planet is warming at an unprecedented rate. The data collected during this period reinforces the film's core message about climate change, demonstrating that humans remain one of the primary drivers of this global phenomenon. Importantly, this evidence also highlights that we still have agency in addressing the climate crisis. The transcript emphasizes that while the warming trend continues, humans have the capacity to implement meaningful changes that could mitigate these effects, suggesting that our actions remain critical in determining the planet's climate future.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)
ABC News
04:25 - 04:36
What are the current impacts of climate change on marine life according to the UN Environmental Program?
According to the UN Environmental Program, the situation is deteriorating rapidly due to very hot ocean temperatures in recent years. The impact is so severe that projections indicate a quarter of all marine life will be gone by the end of the century if current trends continue. This alarming data reflects the unprecedented rate of warming since the mid-20th century, which is causing significant biodiversity loss in our oceans. While 'An Inconvenient Truth' had some incomplete or overstated elements, the fundamental climate warnings appear to have been accurate or even understated compared to current reality.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)ABC News
04:02 - 04:25