The Age Of Consequences

The Age of Consequences is a highly compelling documentary released in 2016, directed by Jared P. Scott. The intense feature spotlights the likes of Michael Breen, Sharon Burke, and Stephen Cheney amongst others, individuals who bring their own wealth of knowledge and experiences to the documentary.

The central theme of the documentary is climate change, specifically the socio-political implications of it. The Age of Consequences doesn't tell a conventional tale of rising temperatures or environmental degradation. Instead, it delves into the more obscure, often unexplored consequences of climate change: the repercussions it can have on national security, political stability, and overall global conflict.

The three main protagonists, Michael Breen, Sharon Burke, and Stephen Cheney, come from significant backgrounds in American defense and security. Breen, for instance, was a U.S. Army veteran and the CEO of the Truman National Security Project, a nationwide organization of veterans devoted to advocacy work related to national security.

On the other hand, Sharon Burke has worked with both the Department of State and the Department of Defense, focusing on energy security. Cheney, a retired Brigadier General of the US Marine Corps and a former Pentagon official, also adds significant credibility to this narrative by providing in-depth, expert analysis.

This powerful trio of extensive knowledge rightfully will draw audiences' attention to the indirect yet very potent threat of global warming is posing to global stability. The narrative begins to delve into how climate change can indirectly fuel conflict. For example, it vividly illustrates spells of unusual weather causing natural disasters and leading to disruptions in basic resources. The consequential competition for these resources can breed tension and, in extremes, spark conflicts, even wars.

Moreover, the ripple-effect of climate change can also lead to mass migrations as populations are displaced due to these disasters. This becomes yet another source of growing tension because of the strain on receiving countries, leading to political unrest and potentially further conflict. This makes The Age of Consequences not just an environmental film but one that also explores the spheres of politics, defense, and international relations.

With its meticulously structured chapter format, The Age of Consequences takes the viewer through different scenarios, so it's not heavy on jargon and easy to understand. It positions the viewer to appreciate the complexities and multiple layers of implications that environmental changes can have, from individual hardship to global conflicts. Through the different chapters, the movie allows viewers to gain an increased understanding of global warming from an angle they might have not thought about before.

The film stands out for its innovative, even haunting, method of storytelling, where they use a 'scenario planning' approach to explore 'what ifs' around climate change. This is framed through the lens of military experts, showing potential threats on a scale that can be hard to digest, as well as how individuals and communities around the world are already being affected.

The documentary is well-paced, capturing attention with its high stake themes but also offering quieter moments for reflection. The cinematic style vacillates between interview sequences with the experts and dramatic stock footage of riots, armed conflicts, natural disasters interwoven, making it visually stimulating.

As a documentary, The Age of Consequences does an excellent job of broadening the narrative on climate change and reframing it in the language of national and international security. Its gripping narrative, dramatic visual portrayal, and expert testimonies offer unique insights into the unexplored consequences of climate change.

Through the lens of The Age of Consequences, audiences stand to gain a full and clear understanding of the political implications of climate change. It elucidates how environmental changes are not just about conserving nature but are indeed an issue of global unrest and warfare waiting to happen if not kept in check. This feature serves as a wakeup call, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation at hand, and potentially prompting viewers to take action.

In conclusion, The Age of Consequences is an engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply insightful documentary. It deftly crosses the borders between environment, politics, defence and international relations, making it a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the larger, seldom-spoken implications of climate change.