Before the Flood reflection

            

            On Thursday, we watched the movie Before the Flood, produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. It was a thorough and eye-opening exploration of climate change and its impact on our planet. In the film, DiCaprio embarks on a global journey, visiting locations where the effects of climate change are highly visible, from melting ice caps in the Arctic to deforestation in Indonesia caused by the palm oil industry's expansion. He interviews scientists, world leaders, and activists, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to combat global warming before it is too late.

One part of the documentary that I found the most striking was how it exposes the political and corporate obstacles that prevent meaningful change, like scientists being paid to say climate change is a hoax and name-dropping the Koch family. I was surprised by the film's boldness in calling out the big corporations and oil and gas players, but talking about politics in the film did illustrate the importance of being informed citizens and advocating for policy shifts and sustainable practices. The film also did a great job connecting climate change to human activities. It shows how industries that rely on fossil fuels, deforestation, and unsustainable consumption accelerate the planet’s destruction—then offering potential solutions like calling for individuals to make more sustainable choices, such as reducing meat consumption, supporting renewable energy, and being mindful of the environmental impact of their purchases. 

Another interesting part of the film was Leonardo DiCaprio’s conversations with influential figures like former President Barack Obama and Pope Francis, highlighting the widespread recognition of climate change as a global crisis. More importantly, it stresses the need for systemic change through government policies like the carbon tax and international cooperation like the Paris Agreement. 

Overall, the film was both alarming and motivating. It reinforces the idea that while climate change is a serious issue, it is not insurmountable if immediate action is taken. The film serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our planet, and we need to be more conscious of the consequences of our actions.