Imagine a world where the very air we breathe is at stake, and the decisions made decades ago still haunt us today. This is the story of a pivotal moment in time, a moment that could have changed the course of our planet's future.
In the late 1980s, the United States faced an unprecedented environmental crisis. A devastating drought, withered crops, and deadly heatwaves swept the nation. Amidst this chaos, a promise was made by a Republican presidential candidate, George HW Bush, to become the 'environmental president.' He acknowledged the scientific reality of global warming, attributing it to the burning of fossil fuels. Bush's words were a beacon of hope, a commitment to take action against this impending crisis.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The documentary 'The White House Effect' delves into the evolution of this climate crisis, from a non-partisan concern to a deeply divisive political issue. It reveals how a moment of potential bipartisan leadership was missed, and how the seeds of climate denial were sown.
The film takes us back to the 1970s, when the greenhouse effect first became a public discussion. Americans, united in their patriotism, were willing to make sacrifices to tackle this unprecedented problem. However, as the years progressed and gas shortages became a reality, a shift occurred. The Republican Party, led by Ronald Reagan, capitalized on this discontent, blaming the government and advocating for a transfer of power to the private sector - a move that would prove detrimental to the environment.
Bush, despite his blue-blooded background and oil industry ties, initially seemed determined to break from this precedent. He appointed an environmental activist to lead the EPA and urged Congress to take action. But powerful forces, including corporate interests and the influence of White House Chief of Staff John Sununu, eroded this purpose.
The documentary relies solely on meticulously curated archival footage, immersing viewers in a time when climate change wasn't a political battleground. It showcases the politicization of this critical issue, rather than simply telling the story.
The directors, Cohen and Shenk, veterans of climate change documentaries, wanted to deliver a 'truth bomb' with this film. They argue that we need the unadulterated truth, without the typical 'hope bucket' endings often seen in climate change films.
And this is the part most people miss...
The film highlights how the platforming of climate skeptics in the media, influenced by Sununu's counsel, seemed to sway Bush's initial resolve. By 1990, he was equivocating on the very issue he once held firm. This political division left the US unable to take decisive action, and Bush's attendance at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit was a reluctant one, advocating against emissions reductions.
Nearly three decades later, the consequences of this missed opportunity are evident. The Republican Party's alliance with corporate interests and the rise of climate denial have left us in a precarious position. But the directors believe that rage is a necessary emotion to drive change. They want viewers to feel the intolerance for the denial of truth and to take action at the ballot box.
As we face increasingly severe natural disasters, the choice is indeed in our hands. We can either despair or take action. The truth of political power is laid bare in this documentary, and it's up to us to decide our future.
'The White House Effect' is now streaming on Netflix, offering a unique perspective on this critical issue.
