System Update

A feature-length documentary about climate change, directed by Paul Maple and presented by Professor James Dyke.

This informative film presents a worrying image as to how much human activities have altered the Earth's atmosphere and how things are going to be in the future if no action is taken to put an end to this ongoing occurrence. Through Dyke's presentations, the interviews of several experts on this global issue and archival footage, viewers will understand that the planet had been affected by climate change and global warming at alarming levels.

The documentary points out that the use of fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change and that less use of energy sources such as coal, oil and gas will help stop climate change. It also states that politicians, bankers and industrial leaders are the ones who have the ability to take the most significant actions that will battle changes in the atmosphere. Dramatic footage of wildfires and floods show the devastating effects that emissions have on the planet and people's lives.

One of the strongest aspects of this film are the interviewees, who give their time in order to share their knowledge and opinions regarding this worldwide catastrophe. These individuals include Economic Anthropologist Professor Jason Hickel, Climate Policy Researcher Laurie Laybourn, Campaign Director Max Wakefield, International Climate Lawyer Farhana Yamin and Climate Adaptation Expert Kathryn Brown. Having these people, the rest of the interviewees and Earth System Scientist Professor James Dyke expaining the causes and effects of climate change and the impact it will most likely have in the future if it carries on, is an experience that will most likely have a big impact on the viewer and encourage them to seriously consider climate change.

The documentary also places great emphasis on the subject of protesting and contains a great deal of footage of crowds protesting against climate change. It is acknowledged that although protests can raise awareness, they are not enough to bring a solution to the problem and it is primarily up to people that hold influential positions to deal with this issue.

This documentary raises awareness of climate change, addressing the causes, the effects it has on the environment, the impact it will have in the future if left undealt with and suggests ways that can prevent it. It is well worth one hour of one's time and will hopefully encourage them to do their part in combating this global threat.