Leonardo DiCaprio's global warming video
Movie star and “eco–celebrity” Leonardo DiCaprio made this short film on global warming. We know what we think. We want to know what you think …
Watch it here.
Leo does have a nice site for kids.
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Exceptionally good film. We need more voices, many more voices speaking out like Mr. DiCaprio, Dr. Heidi Cullen and Ms. Deborah Byrd. This obvious message of looming danger for our children and coming generations is not being given adequate air time because of filters developed by the mass media. All the air is being sucked up by the short-term thinking of the masters of the universe, the ones who are dedicated to the economic ‘success’ of their global greed machine.
That biodiversity is being extirpated, natural resources are being rapidly dissipated, the environment degraded by pollution and the carrying capacity of the Earth diminished are matters about which the masters of the universe do not speak. Nonetheless, it is just as important to see that the masters of the universe do permit their minions to spread uncertainty by misrepresenting or else ignoring good science and to create the illusion of fair, balanced and open discussion.
Thanks to all in the Earth & Sky community.
I would like to join the organization to be part one to against the problem. Globle warming have been really a big problem in the long run, you get to improve it and solve it by every one of us.
Globle warming is really a big problem for a coupld of years. We’ve got to improve it and solve it by the help of every one of us.
Well done. Education is the best way to end ignorance.
I thought the film was a little over the top. Just a bit too much. But Leo was great in The Departed!
It’s all well and good to listen to the ‘experts’ and to be concerned when clear evidence presents itself, but what is civilization to do? Are we to quit breeding, have a global thermonuclear exchange to reduce the population, return to a non fossil fuel and non-technological/mechanical existence? I suppose we could reduce CO2 production and reach full employment also if we banned tractors and all mechanized agricultural equipment but what kind of an existence would we have. I think rational discussion is appropriate but Leonard’s video borders on fear mongering. He should stick with feature films and stay away from science and politically charged subjects.
Dear Mark Aberle,
Your questions are excellent. I think they are precisely the ones we need to be asking, but in my experience such questions are seldom raised and openly discussed.
Rational discussion about these questions suits me, too; however, I do not see nearly enough of that. How the human family responds to the potential global challenges already visible on the far horizon will be vital, I suppose. But how can we respond ably if do not speak about real issues.
Even though the challenges before humanity appear daunting, NOT having rational discussions about unrestrained per capita consumption of limited resources, or unchecked economic expansion on a small finite planet the size of Earth, or unbridled increase of absolute human population numbers worldwide helps no one and risks putting our children and coming generations in harm’s way.
Questions and comments such as yours about real issues are vital to a good enough quality of life for humankind, even in these early years of Century XXI.
Thanks always for them,
Steve
How do I get a permanent copy of this? I want to show it to my 8th graders who are going to be studying energy usage, its effect on our environment, and alternative energy technology. This is perfect for them AND with an actor that they idolize.
Lee:
You can find out how to get a copy at http://www.leonardodicaprio.org
Eleanor
I grew up in the Metro St. Louis area and was taught that the rich, fertile soil in the area was left by a receeding glacier. Funny, I never noticed the glacier in the 45 years I lived there, and my Grampa never mentioned it either. I don’t recall Lewis or Clark mentioning it. Maybe this global warming has been going on longer than we are led to believe.
A good film. It is short and to the point. While a little over the top in its dramatic approach, the science is all solid. It is well made and attractive. I give it a thumbs up.
Eleanor, I couldn’t find a way to get a copy of the movie (there’s also one on clean water). However, I managed to show my 8th graders the global warming video. They said it was scary. They also paid attention to every word. Hopefully, they will take to heart the “Energy & the Environment” unit we are about to study. It will be up to them to create the change we need.
Dear Lea Smith,
Thanks for your thoughts and action despite the scare we feel.
Somehow it seems not quite right that my generation of elders so nonchalantly chooses to ignore problems our children see and so quickly passes over growing problems the children will soon enough be forced to address, but under much less favorable circumstances than present themselves to us today. Our failure to communicate and respond ably to global challenges now visible on the far horizon are not doing our children a favor, I suppose?
My children tell me that my idea of success is an example of failure; that they will not fail their children; and that they will “be the change that is needed”....... if only I and my generation of elders will not steer them down a short “primrose path” to an unsustainable world order.
Lea, perhaps you can help us here. Has a preposterous combination of hubris, contrived logic, faulty reasoning, political convenience and economic expediency overtaken me and the self-proclaimed masters of the universe in my generation?
Always,
Steve
I will be the cynic. I like to call it: “Global Weather Diversity” or “GWD”. It’s sometimes appears to be more of a political rallying point than true science.
http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/13830/
There are many examples of the money and politics behind this movement. A true objective scientist is very careful on how and when he/she applies causation (or from whom he/she takes research funding). Al Gore and the rest of Hollywood aside, changes are occurring. Time will tell if humans can slow, stop or turn around any of these environmental changes.
Dear Cal Tech,
Your comments are welcomed.
I have no problem with them; but let me make a point of clarification. At least to me, the multitude of potentially adverse effects of human influence upon the Earth and its ecosystems is one matter of concern. You point to something different that is certainly as important.
It is helpful for me to separate the negative human influences of resource depletion, environmental degradation, etc from the very real concern you raise about the political will and solidarity of the human community to slow, stop or turn around the impacts of distinctly human, global overgrowth activities that appear to have the potential to threaten life as we know it and the integrity of Earth in these early years of Century XXI.
Thanks so much for your views. If you are a dummy, then I am surely one, too.
Sincerely,
Steve
I agree that people should remain skeptical, and in the manner of Sherlock Holmes, believe the least miraculous thing.
Unfortunately, the argument of McIntyre and McKitrick was pretty soundly rebuked, not by money or politics, but by sound argument, science, and the peer-review process. Thanks to the folks at realclimate.org for the information.
With respect to global warming, like religion, it is better to believe and be wrong than to disbelieve and be wrong. If we act on the assumption that we can affect the rate of climate change, we just might succeed, but if we assume we can do nothing and therefore attempt nothing, we will surely fail to change the final outcome.
Im just here to thank u all for leaving your comments. It might not seem like a lot but it does inspires other people to leave one of their own and do what’s best for their environment, and I would also like to thank the people that made this video, it’s simply brilliant.
Thank u
Yes, I am inspired, too, by what is happening within the Earth & Sky community and in other communities who express their uncomplicated dedication to the maintenance of the integrity of the God’s good Earth (rather than to the patently unsustainable expansion of the man-made global political economy). Who knows, perhaps we will make a difference.
Thanks to all.
What a bunch of Hollywood,Cal., L.A. ,type BS… You people beleve anything because a “ACTOR” and a “Looser” say its so… Get the facts from science and history then decide,you will be suprised.
If you beleve this dribble then don’t repair New Orleans it will be under water. HHaa!
Dear Richie,
At least for me, this discussion has not to do with Hollywood, BS, actors and losers. Good science is what matters. It disappoints me, too, that emerging scientific data about climate change and skyrocketing human population numbers are unexpectedly incompatible with closely held and consensually validated preternatural beliefs, contrived logic, political convenience and expressed economic goals of self-proclaimed masters of the universe and those who call these ‘masters’ their benefactors.
Thanks for you views,
Steve
I have a hard time following the logic of someone like Leonardo D. and his short movie. Since he is famous (to some) or a bad actor (to others) somehow his fame confers upon him an innate intelligence about any subject he chooses to read eloquently for the public. Give me a break!!
The scientific community is still collecting data on our effects on the global climate. The local climate effects as in coal burning areas of england during the industrial revolution are well documented but it is fallacious to presume that the same local models work on a global scale. Beware of the hype, wait for the long term models that can take in all the effects of our oceans, natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and weather patterns that seemingly change from day to day.
Remember many of these self-same experts cannot accurately predict the weather for more than a three day period.
I remain a skeptic.
Dear Linda,
Perhaps the interactive webcast later this month will be helpful. See the information that follows.
In response to the alarming analyses of global climate change and related realities, and in recognition of the enormous impact the built environment has on rising global temperatures, an alliance of concerned professionals, including the American Institute of Architects, the New York Academy of Sciences and many more, are hosting a free, live, interactive web-cast on February 20, 2007 from 9 am to 12:30 pm California time (Noon-3:30 pm EST).
This is an example of the use of communication technology to support an emerging self organizing system – a new, decentralized configuration of institutions and individuals engaged in beginning the work of creating sustainable systems on the planet. Please scroll through the very large number of universities, businesses, government agencies and individual citizens in all 50 states and many countries who have responded to this opportunity to learn something relevant to our survival as a species.
To see for yourself, go to http://www.2010imperative.org/participantList.php
To register: http://www.2010imperative.org/register.php#form2
Please pass the word.
*
Speakers
Dr. James Hansen, NASA GISS
Edward Mazria, AIA, Architecture 2030
Chris Luebkeman, Arup
Susan Szenasy, Metropolis Magazine
To register:
http://www.2010imperative.org/register.php#form2
For background on why this is an emergency, see Ed Maseria’s video presentation found here:
http://www.architecture2030.org/media/index.html
THE 2030 CHALLENGE
Slowing the growth rate of greenhouse gas emissions and then reversing it over the next ten years will require immediate action and a concerted global effort. As Architecture 2030 has shown, buildings are the major source of demand for energy and materials that produce by-product greenhouse gases. Stabilizing emissions in this sector and then reversing them to acceptable levels is key to keeping global warming to approximately a degree centigrade (°C) above today’s level. Learn more at:
http://www.architecture2030.org/home.html
THE 2010 IMPERATIVE
To successfully impact global warming and world resource depletion, it is imperative that ecological literacy become a central tenet of design education. Yet today, the interdependent relationship between ecology and design is virtually absent in many professional curricula. To meet the immediate and future challenges facing our professions, a major transformation of the academic design community must begin today. To accomplish this, The 2010 Imperative calls upon this community to adopt, beginning in 2007, add to all design studio problems that: “the design engage the environment in a way that dramatically reduces or eliminates the need for fossil fuel.” Learn more about the 2010 Imperative at:
http://www.2010imperative.org/
Simultaneous translation into Spanish.
Produced by:
Architecture 2030 / AmericaSpeaks
Sponsored by:
The American Institute of Architects, The Home Depot Foundation, US Green Building Council, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, New York Academy of Sciences, AIA Large Firm Roundtable and others.
Supported by:
AIA NYC, AIA COTE, Campus Climate Challenge, Metropolis Magazine, AIAS, SBSE, ACSA, UIA, RAIC, ASES, Jonathan Rose Companies LLC, Turner Construction, National Wildlife Federation, BuildingGreen, Inc., D+Arquitectos
With thanks,
Steve
Regardless of what Al Gore and Leo say, the jury is still out on global warming. There are two main questions, first, if there is an actual warming trend that differs from the normal cycles of our planet, and if so, are humans the cause? There are just as many reputable scientists that have done studies to show that these current weather trends (if they are indeed going up) are nothing more than normal cycles.
But, science aside, I would encourage everyone to do their own thinking on this. I need only to see the Halliburton name badge on the shirt in the film to see the political bias that is involved here. I assure you, in making up my mind on the issue, Leo DiCaprio’s opinion will have less than nothing to do with it.
T.S. I respect your views. And I respectfully disagree.
It’s true that the public jury is still out on global warming. But – unless you’re waiting for unanimous agreement (which may never come) – the scientific jury is not still out. Yes, there are a few climate scientists who disagree. And their disagreement is getting a lot of publicity. But most climate scientists have agreed for many years that global warming is happening and that humans are the cause.
You’re suggesting that we put science aside on this subject? I find that comment puzzling. How can we possibly know what’s happening on the Earth today, if we put science aside?
All the best,
Deborah
Dear Deborah,
Do you think there are times when all of us simply want to believe what we hold dear and no amount of scientific evidence will make a difference?
Perhaps the explicit rejection of good, unchallenged science has something to do with psychological “overdetermination.” That is to say, an unreal belief can be grossly overvalued and supported by many of a person’s or group’s different life experiences. As a consequence, a distorted perception, an illusion, can “be given life” within the individual and group when a mistaken impression is magically ‘transformed’ then shared as a fair representation of what is somehow real. Such misperceptions occur in human cultures, I suppose, but are usually identified as examples of the unrealizable fulfillment of wishes.
Here we can understand at least one way in which the individual or group of people set science aside. I would like to submit that decisions to set aside science in favor of magical thinking and “head in the sand” posturing could be ruinous, especially in circumstances like those looming before humankind in these early years of Century XXI.
With thanks to science, to scientists who are discharging their responsibilities in behalf of good science, and to those many human beings in the Earth & Sky community who accept their “feet of clay” and use them to stand tall,
Steve
Steve, perhaps holding on to what’s dear is a part of the reluctance to accept the idea of human-caused global warming. We all want to hold on to what’s dear.
I think it’s also the case that science doesn’t have the same authority to people now that it did, say, in the 1950s and ’60s. People don’t seem to believe science, or value it, as they did a few decades ago.
And also … scientists haven’t been willing to speak out. They’ve been reluctant to speak beyond their own findings about this or that animals or plant shifting its range northward, or springtime coming earlier in some particular region, or higher temperatures globally … because, by its very nature, scientific inquiry is a process that demands narrow questions and narrow answers … so very few were willing to speak beyond their own results. Now that has changed a bit. We were very surprised during the time of the recent IPCC announcement that we had 26 scientists willing to speak out on global warming for our website. So many scientists speaking out was surprising to us …
I strongly believe that the public perception will shift – instantly – at some point. The American public’s perception of global warming has been crowded with distinformation and confusion. But global warming is here, and the public perception is poised for a shift … I hope.
Leo has joined the most non-exclusive group of gullible idiots the world has ever seen. There has been NO PROOF that any human activity contributes to climate change.
Perry,
I understand your frustration. But proof – real proof – on something as complicated as Earth’s climate will be hard to come by.
All scientists can say is that the best evidence points a certain way with a high degree of certainty.
Not perfect … but the best we have.
Thank you for commenting.
Deborah
Deborah, Your prompt response amazed me. Thank you. I’m not frustrated, but your reply reinforces what I’m saying. There is no proof, and keeping that in mind, I think it is bordering on foolish to react in such a radical manner to “best evidence which points a certain way with a high degree of certainty”. It would be more prudent to take an approach which considers all sides of research which have been done on this subject and develop a plan according to the results. I agree that there is some change in climate, I lost my pears last weekend and possibly my apples in a snap freeze, however my brother in Australia told me in January that the nights had been much cooler during that summer. Is this a result of human activity? Highly doubtful. I read a story some weeks ago about a scientist at the University of New England in Armidale Australia who had discovered a correlation between sunspot activity and the cycle of drought and wet through recent history, but he tempered his findings with the caution that his data was limited by records which dated only to the 1920’s. Perhaps the most vocal of the climate alarmists would do well to take a leaf from his book and calm down and consider other options. Conclusive proof cannot be found in hysteria. I take some comfort in the realization that I might be wrong,and I am open to that chance, but until I see proof of that fact, I will continue to believe that I am right.
I hope that this stimulates thought and some debate. As you say,“not perfect… but the best I have.”
Perry,
It has surprised me very much that this topic has become so politicized and so polarized. I agree that there’s no need for “alarm.” But the scientific evidence does indicate that there is cause for concern.
All sides of the research are being considered, have been considered for decades, by scientists. It’s mainly in the media and the public that this raging debate is happening.
If oil is a by-product of sunlight, it seems logical to capture the sunlight as it is reaching earth through clean solar energy rather than digging it up as a filthy black goo.
Dear Gretchie,
The simplicity in your point is good and breathtaking. Most of the time, however, it seems our leaders do not choose what is simple and generally regarded as best. Their choices appear to be uniformly governed by what is politically convenient and economically expedient. Perhaps the unbridled expansion of the political economy is at least one source of the growing number of global challenges before humanity that are visible, even now, on the far horizon.
For the sake of our children and their children, the day may come, and hopefully come soon, when the abundantly irresponsible and patently unsustainable “overgrowth” behaviors of the powerbrokers in my not-so-great generation will change.
As ever,
Steve
Ah yes, let’s give up all that we have and all that we may ever be for the sake of Preventing Global Warmening…by the way, why are the icecaps on Mars melting? Why is Titan suddenly melting? Why is Jupiter warming? Why is Pluto warming? Why do over 17,000 climate scientists, physicists, and statisticians disagree with the UN Panel on climate change? These dire predictions of Global catastrophe are just another iteration of the age old impetus for power…Do what I say or the world will be destroyed. Use your heads, not your emotions, folks. Wake up.
Dear Doug,
No one is being asked to “give up all that we have and all that we may ever be,” as you put it. No one in my experience has made such a statement or expects such a thing. Who do you know who would do such a thing? I would like to suggest that your unrealistic “all or nothing” perspective is a part of the problem.
What can you possibly mean by “all that we may ever be?” Can a human being have so much as a clue about such a thing. The words themselves suggest a degree of grandiosity that is disturbing. People I know do not consider themselves examples of the “be all and end all” of this world. Is that what you mean?
As for the words “give up all that we have,” I have no intention of doing any such thing. What bothers me is the absurdity of totalistic thinking.
WHO, Doug, who is saying “do what I say or the world will be destroyed. Use your head…............”?
Always,
Steve
Doug and Steve,
I’ll try to take Doug’s advice to heart, and to use my head. Doug, are you asking me to ignore any scientific evidence linking human activity to global warming here on EARTH, because global warming is supposedly taking place on Mars, Jupiter, Pluto and Titan (or is it Triton)?
Reading comment #29, I’d almost think global warming on these far away worlds is a proven fact. Whoa! The study of climate on other worlds is in its infancy, just scratching the surface. It might behoove us to resist the temptation to jump to conclusions, saying that global warming on these other worlds proves that human causes for global warming here on EARTH are a myth. If, indeed, the scientific studies linking humans to climate change on Earth can be said to be inconclusive, just how conclusive are the climate studies done elsewhere in the solar system?
The scientific study of ice core samples (on Earth) should give us pause. I know many people claim that humanity is way too puny to influence (or to adversely alter) the Earth’s climate. I’m afraid this is more wishful thinking than proven scientific fact. In fact, the evidence found in ice core samples suggests otherwise.
It used to be said that the oceans were too big and vast for humans to adversely affect in any way. Now, we know better. With humanity sprawling around the world in ever increasing numbers, and consuming more resources than ever, human activity very much has an impact on the environment. More than ever, we need to be good stewards of the planet we live on, and to keep our world healthy for future generations.
Bruce
Let me try putting in the links again:
Triton
ice core
Bruce
actors are good at playing “lets pretend” i used to be better at it as a child but i find it harder now. i think that actors are not geniuses and that they should stick to entertaining us. in other words dance monkey dance. leave the world of science to scientists. unless of course we all feel that people that are professionals at pretending things are meant to teach our children. also ice core samples can date no later than 1,000,000 years whereas geological evidence proves climate heating and cooling has occured over and over thru 5 billion years. last night on pbs there was a documentary on supervolcanoes and their effects wich trumped ice core samples.i say we picket yellowstone before it kills us all.
Dear Sam,
Are you saying that behaving like actors and “playing ‘let’s pretend’” is a strategy for teaching our children and for responding to the good scientific evidence on global climate change?
Thanks,
Steve
that was too funny please call back to whom it may concern
im saying that lets pretend im a human being. i like alot of money and i like being loved. so by adopting an unfortunate child i can both be “liked more” and this will result in my popularity going up which will cause a higher demand to see me resulting in more money. will i adopt an unfortunate child in my town or will i choose an unfortunate child in the worst part of the world i can think of?...see if i am rich enough to dismiss the struggles that the majority of us must deal with and i live in a protected community and i can afford to waste my time telling the rest of the world how i think it should run. and the more benevolent i am and the more pious i appear the less you can say about me and the more popular i will be.its a win win. heck. if you like me enough i can become a millionaire. and when im rich ill have nothing but great ideas how to save the world and tell you how to help. my money doesnt ride on the output of daily work my money comes from the world at large and the media.and my opinions are valid because..hey ..look at how many people hang on my words. i would rather hear real facts from the academic community
i must ask why is this actors opinion more valid than fred at the local car wash?
Great question Sam! This actor’s opinion isn’t necessarily more valid than Fred’s at the local car wash. That’s why Earth & Sky launched a new community-based website in the fall of ’06 … to get opinions from all of you …
We want to hear from you all!
Deborah
wow I really enjoyed that I really did like I was always the quote unquote the weird one always called a tree hugger and stuff like that just because I cared for the inviernment and animals and humans really are killing this planet and its really our jobs to stop it from happening so I loved the film and yeah I love leonardo and what he is doing to help man kind =) thank you leonardo =)