Starting with the industrial revolution, the pace of innovation and technological advances that we have seen has been unknown to previous humans. This has created an environment where needs for most humans are immediately met and no longer require people to know where their food comes from or how the devices they use every day actually work. This need for immediate satisfaction that we see in society is the result of human nature and our innate desire to focus on the immediate with little concern or ability to address future problems, particularly those on a large scale.
The 12th Hour argues that the human brain can only focus on immediate needs and threats and does not have the capacity to address long-term issues such as climate change. Using this as the basis of the argument, this film discusses why they believe humans are unconcerned about climate change and unable to address the problem at the level necessary, leaving one to wonder if this problem can be solved.
While this environmental documentary is well produced with beautiful shots and quality editing of interview clips of academics discussing the issue of climate change to create the overall narrative, the pace is slow and the platitudes about the need for immediate action does not add anything new to the existing conversation around the topic. Instead of focusing on practical solutions on a personal or policy level, the film relies on the argument society needs to move immediately from the use of fossil fuels to renewable energy with little larger consideration of the implications of this option beyond the positive impact it would have on the environment.
This educational documentary will appeal to those who passionately hold the same view regarding climate change but will have limited appeal outside of this audience given the lack of practical personal or policy approaches to reduce or eliminate climate change. Not a necessary purchase. Aud: J, H, C, P.
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