Gore could soon be on the curriculum

Every secondary school in the UK is to be sent a copy of Al Gore's film An Inconvenient Truth as part of a pack aimed to teach pupils about climate change.


The film, which consists largely of the former Presidential candidate delivering a slide show, has been praised by critics and climate campaigners alike for clearly and calmly getting across the urgency of the environmental threat we are facing.

Since his questionable defeat by George W Bush at the polls, Gore has been on a mission to get the climate message across to as many people as possible.

The cross-departmental decision to ensure every school child in the land has seen the film before leaving education should help the Clinton’s Vice President with his mission and allow the young to make better-informed decisions about the environment.

“The debate over the science of climate change is well and truly over, as demonstrated by the publication of [last week’s] report by the IPCC,” said David Miliband, Environment Secretary.

“Our energies should now be channelled into how we respond in an innovative and positive way in moving to a low carbon future.

“I was struck by the visual evidence the film provides, making clear that the changing climate is already having an impact on our world today, from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Himalayan mountains.

“As the film shows, there’s no reason to feel helpless in the face of this challenge. Everyone can play a part along with government and business in making a positive contribution in helping to prevent climate change.”

Education Secretary Johnson added: “With rising sea temperatures, melting ice caps and frequent reminders about our own ‘carbon footprints’ we should all be thinking about what we can do to preserve the planet for future generations.

“Children are the key to changing society’s long term attitudes to the environment. Not only are they passionate about saving the planet but children also have a big influence over their own families lifestyles and behaviour. Al Gore’s film is a powerful message about the fragility of our planet and I’m delighted that we are able to make sure every secondary school in the country has a copy to stimulate children into discussing climate change and global warming in school classes.”

The DVD will go to 3,385 secondary schools in England. It will be part of a Sustainable Schools year of action to support all schools to become models of sustainable best practice. Other tools and support being produced include teacher resource packs, guidance for bursars and governors and a new Teaching award.

Sam Bond

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