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Another Inconvenient Truth

I had to write a film review for An Inconvenient Truth for my Topics in Environmental Health course. It was easy to write because I had a lot to say about the film, mostly about the huge hole it has in it which was recently brought to light again by Moby.

I cannot abstain from criticizing the An Inconvenient Truth for leaving out a very important environmental topic: our dietary choices. Though the film focuses a good portion of time talking of fuel efficient vehicles and how American standards of efficiency are embarrassingly low, a United Nations’ report (2006) concluded that the world’s demand for meat is responsible for approximately 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than all forms of transportation combined. Given this overwhelming statistic it is clear to me that adopting to an even part-time vegetarian-based diet far exceeds the impact of putting a greener vehicle on our congested roads. And yet this fact is not revealed where it may have its biggest impact… on an open mind that is ready for change. The film also ends with a series of suggestions on how a concerned viewer may reduce their carbon impact. By excluding dietary choice from this segment, viewers miss yet another opportunity to have a real impact on their carbon intake. As a strict vegetarian of over 10 years, I have experienced firsthand how difficult and even bizarre vegetarianism seems to the mass majority. Despite all its health and environmental benefits, vegetarianism still has many public negative connotations. It is unfortunate that these myths will prevail still, when so much is at stake.

Source/Further Reading: United Nations, Food And Agriculture Organization. (2006). Livestock’s Long Shadow, Environmental Issues and Options. Retrieved August 23, 2009 here.