It is an effective example of satire, especially the ending. However, its main purpose is to emphasize how ignorant bureaucrats are with regard to global warming, and how they live in a fantasy world of denial. This cartoon is used to simplify a complex problem. (Note: Other examples may be cited.)Īnimation 1: Explanation to the little girl about global warming. Possible answer: Gore’s inconclusive graph evidence, which some feel have been manipulated to suit his theory, the fact that global warming (or climate change) is a natural cycle (though this is doubtful), and perhaps the focus on America. The parts that lend credence to Gore’s arguments are the indisputable evidence he presents about disappearing glaciers, the “jagged red line” showing a steady increase in CO2 emissions over an uninterrupted period, scientific statistics with regard to weather patterns, and global weather crises affecting nearly all countries and continents. It is actually a misleading phrase, as it makes one think that the earth is only getting warmer when, in fact, it is really a reference to global climate change. This sunlight is being trapped because CO 2 emissions have thickened the “blanket” of atmosphere, thus preventing enough sunlight from escaping back into space. “Global warming” refers to the gradual heating up of the earth due to sunlight being trapped within the atmosphere. The truth is not in their best interests therefore it is “inconvenient” It is appropriate to represent the fact that global warming is a truth some people and countries would prefer not to face since it will mean financial losses for them. Worksheet #5 Revision – Film Study: AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH Answer Key _ 1. Why is the “red jagged line” so extremely important to Gore’s argument? What solutions does Gore offer to viewers to combat global warming?Įxplain why the statistics and graphs Gore presents in the documentary could be a weakness, and could cause his audience to lose interest. How is America depicted as being largely responsible for global warming?
Why should the vanishing glaciers be of great concern to all of us? Which African lake does Gore refer to in the documentary to convince skeptics of the very real threat and danger of global warming? Is his example suitable or not? Explain. What do you think these agendas are, and do they make the message any less effective?
Paragraph-type question: Gore might be concerned about global warming, but it is clear that he has other agendas, too. Paragraph-type question: Including personal events in a documentary about global warming is gratuitous and unnecessary. Discuss these two animations, explaining the purpose of each, and also stating if it is effective or not. Gore makes use of animation at two points in the documentary. Which parts of the film do you feel weakens Gore’s argument? Which parts of the documentary effectively add strength to Gore’s argument? What do you understand by the phrase, “global warming”? Is it a correct or misleading phrase? Why has the word “inconvenient” been placed in the title of the documentary? Explain the appropriateness of it in light of the subject matter. Worksheet #5 Revision: AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH _ 1.