Sometimes documentaries on environmental issues can be downright depressing. At the end, you feel helpless. You think only policy change will make any serious difference. You think it’s too late. You think you won’t bother watching any more documentaries on the topic.
I feel like The 11th Hour flew under the radar. I remember hearing about it once but then never again. Was it even in theaters? I ran across it on netflix and added it to my queue. It arrived weeks ago and I just couldn’t find the motivation to watch it (partly due to the Olympics). Last night, when I popped it in, my husband said “I don’t know if I’m up for this.”
But it was really, really good. The first third was what I thought the whole movie would be about–global warming and the human affects on climate change. But the documentary didn’t stop there. It went on to talk about other human effects on planet earth–to our oceans, to the soil, to forests, to other species. I especially appreciated the commentary on our consumerism and how the American culture of consumerism is affecting the earth. I learned so many things that I feel stupid for not having already known. Did you know that temperature differences in the ocean leads to currents that oxygenate deep ocean waters and without them, most aquatic life could not survive?
The best part about this documentary is that it is empowering. The last portion discusses what we can do to change the inevitable. And we’re not just talking changing lightbulbs. The 11th Hour pursues what major changes need to take place and puts a greener future within reach. When the movie was finished, I was left with two thoughts. One, I just had to talk to someone about this film (fortunately, my husband and dad watched it with me). And two, more Americans need to see this.
For a preview, see The 11th Hour site.
