Carbon dioxide levels have risen to over 400 ppm, which hasnt been seen in 3 million years. The more carbon dioxide that enters our atmosphere the more devastating effect it has on the globe. Not only does that mean an increase in pollution but it also means sea levels continue to rise, harsh weather conditions become even more devastating and the earth cannot store as much water to survive.
2040 is an unique documentary that explains and shows how much of a threat carbon dioxide really is and the strategies that should be implemented in making sure it doesn’t become a bigger threat than it already is.
I really loved the direction that director Damon Gameau took on this documentary by showing how the children are our future. Presented in a visual diary to his daughter Zoe Gameau, Gameau demonstrates to her the current levels of carbon dioxide and how she and the children of today’s generation can put into effect strategies that can see lower levels of carbon dioxide by the year 2040.
What I really found so engaging about this documentary was the way Gameau presented his comparisons which was such an interesting approach. He’d display today’s scenarios of carbon dioxide and explain a particular earth saving strategy and then fast forward to the future to show if that particular strategy was implemented, what the world would look like by 2040. The more I watched the film, the more aware I became about how harmful carbon dioxide really is. But it was the shock of how much effect it had on the globe that had me really concerned about our planet and what tomorrow could bring if we didn’t (and don’t) handle the problems that are present today.
It was also great to see that Gameau included the input of children around the world by including them in the documentary and allowing them to share their views of carbon dioxide, as well as their thoughts on how we can eliminate this deadly threat and provide a healthier and better world for all. My personal favourite was a little girl’s idea of creating rocket boots to become another mode of transport and help decrease traffic congestion, which is said to contribute to 20% carbon dioxide (places with heavy traffic congestion, eg. U.S.A) to our atmosphere. As well as a boy that wanted to construct a space dimension that only stored rubbish, so that the world would be free from litter and pollution.
Travelling to different countries and seeing various strategies, Gameau‘s bookmark styled documentary had interesting points and tackled where carbon dioxide affects the most such as; the ocean, use of electricity, the Earth’s water storage capacity, our wellbeing, live stock, weather conditions etc. With the use of electricity which uses the burning of more fossil fuels, Solar powered energy is explored and how the advantages of using a solar power share system could mean less burning of fossil fuels with the use of natural energy instead which would lead to a healthier world. The film also advises that the planting of more crops and plants would mean better soil for the earth to absorb carbon dioxide through the rain, as well as the planting of seaweed which could decrease sea levels and help lower acidic levels and heat levels within the sea.
2040 is a vital documentary and with a message that should be shown and shared by all. I’ve learnt from watching this excellent film that the amount of carbon dioxide that is in the atmosphere really is concerning. We really need to be more aware of this problem and contain it while it still can be dealt with. The strategies shown in the film with possible ways to deal with the current levels of carbon dioxide should be taken into consideration by government officials and world leaders ,and in some way be implemented immediately. Because if we don’t and we reach the stage of being “too late”, then we will not have a sustainable planet to live in, or worse yet humanity may not survive.