Al Gore’s film An
Inconvenient Truth is an eye opening educational presentation about global
warming and the impact which humans have of the world. Directed by Davis
Guggenheim and presented by Al Gore, himself, the film uses scientific data and
estimates to convey his message in order to educate the audience of the dangers
which lie ahead if we continue going about our current way of life. Released in
2006, the film became a major talking point in the media and right across the
globe which has since attracted more media articles and reviews than any other
film. Gore builds his argument with measured data and makes predictions which
shock the audience, making them aware of this ‘moral issue’. As designers we
have a major role in striving to reduce the environmental impact of consumer
goods and design products to assist in the lowering of Co2 levels.
Gore describes global warming as not a political
responsibility but as a moral responsibility. It is not up to the governments
to implement changes but it is up to the individual person to act morally and
reduce their individual carbon emissions. As designers we are the creators of
such consumer products which shape the way people live their lives and by
designing sustainably we can alter the consumer’s habits and offer eco-friendly
alternatives. As presented by Gore, there have been moves to design more
sustainable automobiles which significantly reduce emissions. Car manufactures
such as Toyota Honda are prime examples of this were as Ford and General Motors
have done near nothing to address these issues and remain as some of the
biggest carbon contributors. Not only is sustainable design about reducing the
emissions given off by the product but, using smart materials designing to use
as little material as possible. Using cleaner sources of energy to manufacture
the goods we design and designing products which promote and rely on the use of
clean energies are just some of the ways designers can shape the future and
work towards a cleaner environment.
This moving film is a great step towards reducing the amount
of emissions which enter the earth’s atmosphere every year. Al Gore advocates
the significantly important issues of global warming and educates the audience
as to how they can help to reduce their personal carbon footprint through the
use of energy saving appliances and striving t become more sustainable. The design industry plays a big part in
contributing to global emissions and has the power and moral responsibility to
act upon this issue through the use of sustainable design.
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