Every British teen to see Gore's An Inconvenient Truth

Last Updated: Friday, February 2, 2007 | 3:52 PM ET

CBC Arts

The British government will send a copy of Al Gore's film about global warming, An Inconvenient Truth, to every secondary school in the country, the U.K. environment minister announced Friday.

The announcement, made after an opposition MP suggested sending the film to every home in the country, comes the same day a panel of the world's top scientists issued a new report saying global warming is a man-made phenomenon.

Former U.S. vice-president Al Gore is shown promoting An Inconvenient Truth in Japan in January. Every British teen will have a chance to see the film on global warning.
(Koji Sasahara/Associated Press)

U.K. Environment Minister David Miliband said An Inconvenient Truth would be sent to every school as part of an educational pack about climate change aimed at British teens.

An Inconvenient Truth, a film of former U.S. vice-president Gore's lecture tour, illustrates the dramatic change to the environment caused by burning fossil fuels. It has been nominated for an Oscar for best documentary.

"I was struck by the visual evidence the film provides, making clear that the changing climate is already having an impact on our world today, from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Himalayan mountains," Miliband said.

Gore gives many examples of how individuals could help the environment, including his program of training "climate ambassadors" who will spread a message of environmental stewardship.

"As the film shows, there's no reason to feel helpless in the face of this challenge. Everyone can play a part along with government and business in making a positive contribution in helping to prevent climate change," Miliband said.

A DVD of the film, already a box office hit, will go to 3,385 secondary schools across Britain.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson said he hopes seeing the film will cause young people to press for lifestyle changes that will lead to lower emissions.

"Children are the key to changing society's long-term attitudes to the environment," Johnson said.

"Not only are they passionate about saving the planet, but children also have a big influence over their own families' lifestyles and behaviour."

Britain is currently drafting a Climate Change Bill to ensure it meets its commitment to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent by 2050.