Global Warming as an Outcome of Man’s Search for Progress as Depicted by Fisher Stevens in The Film, before The Flood

Before the Flood

The devastating effects of industrialization and human carelessness have resulted in the global issue of climate change. As mankind strives to advance and progress, economic gain has routinely been prioritized over environmental stewardship, resulting in devastating effects to the health of our planet. Before the Flood is a documentary released as a part of National Geographic’s effort to bring climate change to the forefront of media coverage. The film follows Leonardo DiCaprio (a United Nations messenger of peace) on a two year journey as he travels the world and explores the expansive effects of global warming; from the bustling cities of China to the melting ice caps of the arctic. DiCaprio sparks conversations with scientists, activists and public figures all in an effort to raise awareness and understanding of the reality of our planet’s state. By pinpointing specific environmental mishaps and explaining humanity's role in producing them, DiCaprio is able to address climate change as a pressing issue and bring to light the very human actions that catalyzed the state of the world today.

While Climate change is an expansive and complicated problem, its foundation is built upon years of prioritizing economic gain before environmental preservation. From transportation fuel to food production, the price of the modern industrialized lifestyle is paid at the expense of the planet that exists to sustain us. The consistent burning of fossil fuels has led to such an increase in greenhouse gasses that the global temperature has doubled within the past 20 years, melting 75% of the Arctic’s ice in only half a century. Experts predict an iceless Arctic as early as the year 2020. The film’s cinematic journey begins in Greenland, where aerial shots reveal churning water and diminishing ice levels. DiCaprio consulted with Jason Box, a professor of Geology in Greenland, who stated that within the past five years over thirty feet of glacial ice has melted as a result of the globe’s increase in temperature. If this rate continues, Greenland could be completely gone within another five years. And while the barren Arctics’ rising sea levels bring a plethora of complications and problems, increasing populations have other countries struggling to accommodate their sheer amount of people.

DiCaprio continues his narrative by travelling to Beijing and eventually India to discuss the relationship between population and pollution levels. Air pollution hovers like a dark fog over Beijing and many of China’s bustling cities, as result of the massive amounts of coal burned to fuel the consuming lifestyle of the ever increasing population. And while renewable energy sources such as solar or hydropower have been refined, societies are still failing to prioritize the planet over economic interests. Because of the costs associated with implementing these new systems of energy production, coal and fossil fuels still remain at the heart of our current energy storages. At the helm of this dangerous attitude is the United States and other first world countries. Sunita Narain, director of the Center for Science and Environment, placed the role of the United States into a global perspective : “Electricity consumed by one American home is equivalent to 1.5 citizens of France, 2.2 citizens of Japan, 10 citizens of China, 34 citizens of India and 61 of Nigeria”. As developing countries look to the example of their predecessors, the US sets a dangerous standard for fossil fuel use and environmental damage. As countries like China and India work towards expanding their infrastructures to meet the demands of their growing population, it is vital that the global community work together to establish laws and regulations to protect the fragile pieces of nature that still remain. Without the collaboration of global entities, previous templates for industrialization may be put into play and all hope of rehabilitating our planet may be lost.

Unfortunately, the extent of ecological damage is not limited to ice or population numbers. The complex ecosystems within Earth’s expansive oceans and forests are declining too. Within the Sumatran forests of Indonesia, thousands of trees are replaced by oil plantations, leaving the animals and plant life charred and scrambling to adjust. In fact, one third of Indonesia's mammal species are endangered because of the increase and effects of oil within their natural habitats. While the “forests of the Ocean” or coral reefs, are diminishing at an equally alarming rate. DiCaprio entered the depths of the sea from the safety of a submarine with marine biologist Jeremy Jackson, to observe the remainder of the once vibrant coral reefs off Indonesia’s coasts.The neglect and even rejection of environmental problems from international governments has produced a false sense of security among many communities. However, it is irresponsible and ignorant for humans to continue to ignore our hand in the ecological devastation surrounding us.

Before the Flood pioneers as a film which takes a very definitive stance on environmental issues, which I appreciated as the viewer. As a lover of nature, travel and the environment I found the documentary hard to stomach but an important reminder of the world’s fragility. While Before the Flood does propose numerous solutions such as a reduction of coal usage or alternative energy sources, I couldn’t help but feel let down by the lawmakers of the US and other nations. It is surreal to me that individuals could continue to place such illogical importance on money and power while the very planet which we exist upon crumbles underneath our feet. However, I was very pleased with the documentary content as well as cinematic representations and hope that truthful media continues to be released. The fate of our planet lies in our hands, and it is vitally important to educate the general public on the fragility of our existence, and the role we must assume to change that fate.