How To Let Go Of The World And Love All The Things Climate Can't Change

How To Let Go Of The World And Love All The Things Climate Can't Change is a 2016 documentary film featuring environmental advocates such as Lester Brown, Ella Chou and Tim DeChristopher, among others. It is a poignant and timely exploration of the devastating impacts of climate change on our planet and the desperate need for effective solutions. The movie takes a confronting and candid look at both the realities of climate change, as well as the potential for positive societal and individual responses.

This thought-provoking environmental documentary is directed by award-winning filmmaker Josh Fox, best known for his groundbreaking work on hydraulic fracturing or “fracking.” Fox once again displays his unique storytelling abilities by blending personal narratives with wider environmental and political themes, resulting in a simultaneously informative and emotionally engaging cinematic experience.

At the heart of the film is Fox's own journey — beginning with a sense of despair as he grapples with the harsh realities of climate change, to ultimately finding hope in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community-led initiatives. Through his journey, the audience is taken on a global tour of environmental degradation but also of the remarkable efforts being made by individuals, communities, and organizations to combat these challenges.

The film spotlights individuals like Lester Brown, a renowned environmental analyst who has spent decades educating people about the urgency of global environmental issues. Ella Chou, a Harvard-trained energy specialist, lends her expertise on China's role in the global energy landscape. Tim DeChristopher, an environmental activist known for his daring act of civil disobedience against an oil and gas leasing auction, contributes his inspiring perspective on personal sacrifice for the greater good.

Fox introduces the viewer to diverse landscapes and communities, from the polluted streets of Beijing and the storm-torn coastlines of New York, to the Amazon Rainforest and the pristine waters of the Pacific Islands. Each location provides a different look at how climate change is affecting our world and how people are responding to it. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy, for example, highlights the vulnerabilities of urban environments to climate change, while the scenes in the Amazon show the impacts of deforestation on both global biodiversity and indigenous communities.

What sets this film apart is its emphasis on the “things climate can’t change” - the values of community, resilience, creativity, and love that exist independently of the environmental challenges we face. It argues that these qualities, inherent to the human spirit, can propel us forward in the fight against climate change.

Throughout the movie, Fox remains a persistent investigator, breaking down complex scientific information to make it accessible to the general viewer, while his genuine vulnerability and curiosity result in genuine dialogue with the experts and locals he meets along his journey. The documentary is punctuated by moments of stark hope and light-hearted humor, balancing the weight of the subject matter with an optimism that is infectious and invigorating.

In addition to its strong narrative, the film features a compelling visual component. From breathtaking aerial shots of sprawling cityscapes or barren industrial landscapes to intimate close-ups of the film's diverse characters, the cinematography works hand-in-hand with the storytelling to immerse viewers in the experiences and emotions of those featured.

Though the movie doesn't shy away from the stark challenges that climate change presents, it also refuses to surrender to pessimism. Instead, it emboldens viewers to face these realities head-on and find hope and inspiration in the power of collective action, enduring human values, and our capacity for adaptation and change. Ultimately, How To Let Go Of The World And Love All The Things Climate Can't Change is a rallying cry for viewers to become more active participants in the fight against climate change.

In conclusion, this documentary focuses on the complexities of climate change - highlighting not just the environmental consequences but also the social, political, and ethical implications. It's a bold and challenging exploration of a subject that can often feel overwhelming, yet manages to inspire without minimizing the reality of the situation.