Carbon Nation (2011)

40% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
83% of users liked it
(767 ratings)

Carbon Nation is a feature length documentary about climate change SOLUTIONS. Even if you doubt the severity of the impact of climate change or just don't buy it at all, this is a compelling and relevant film that illustrates how SOLUTIONS to climate change also address other social, economic and… More Carbon Nation is a feature length documentary about climate change SOLUTIONS. Even if you doubt the severity of the impact of climate change or just don't buy it at all, this is a compelling and relevant film that illustrates how SOLUTIONS to climate change also address other social, economic and national security issues. 'Carbon Nation' is an optimistic discovery of what people are already doing, what we as a nation could be doing and what the world needs to do to prevent (or slow down) the impending climate crisis. We already have the technology to combat most of the worst-case scenarios of climate change, and it is very good business as well. We meet a host of entertaining and endearing characters along the way, including entrepreneurs, visionaries, scientists, business, and the everyday man, all making a difference and working towards solving climate change. We interviewed over 200 people - included in the film are Richard Branson (CEO, Virgin Group), Thomas L. Friedman (New York Times), Former CIA Director James Woolsey, Van Jones (Founder, Green For All), Col. Dan Nolan, U.S. Army (Ret), Bernie Karl (Geothermal pioneer from Alaska,) Amory Lovins (Chairman, RMI), Art Rosenfeld (Commissioner, California Energy Commission), Denis Hayes (Founder of Earth Day), Ralph Cavanagh (NRDC), Lester Brown (Earth Policy Institute), John Rowe (CEO, Exelon), Jim Rogers (CEO Duke Energy), Cliff Etheredge (West Texas wind pioneer,)and more climate change pioneers. Public opinion is sliding the wrong way - far fewer people are concerned about climate change than even a year ago. We've made Carbon Nation to give a majority of people an entertaining, informed and pragmatic primer about why it's incredibly smart to be a part of the new, low-carbon economy: its good business. Carbon Nation's optimism and pragmatism are appealing across the political spectrum. Carbon Nation is a film that celebrates solutions, inspiration and action. -- (C) Official Site

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 24 min.
Directed By: Peter Byck
Written By: Peter Byck, Eric Driscoll, Matt Weinhold, Karen Weigert
Genres: Documentary, Special Interest

In Theaters: Feb 11, 2011 Wide
On DVD: Sep 6, 2011
Studio: Mitropoulos Films

Critic Reviews

Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle
What we get is the filmic equivalent of a smiley face. But enthusiasm and sincerity don't make the hard questions go away.
Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times
"Carbon Nation" is an inspiring look at the many recent advances in clean energy and green technologies.
Kyle Smith, New York Post
Interviewees who issue hysterical statements like "the sea ice cap is almost gone" go uncontradicted.
Neil Genzlinger, New York Times
This film seems blissfully unaware that political obstructionists are paralyzing the legislative process; that deep-pocketed influence peddlers have a vested interest in maintaining the fossil fuel culture; that, in general, people resist change.
Michelle Orange, Village Voice
Alternative energy sources-algae, wind, and geothermal-are showcased, but Carbon Nation is most persuasive when it focuses on the individuals utilizing those supplies in their communities.
John Anderson, Variety
Well intended but inert.
Brent Simon, Shared Darkness
Thought-provoking on a macro level in some of its interviews, but its sloppy construction, poor focus and rah-rah boosterism make for a sludgy viewing experience.
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
The film's hectic pace and flow has more in common with design of a kids' educational TV show, and although the information seems sometimes chaotic. it is always lively, thought-provoking, and inspirational.
Diego Costa, Slant Magazine
Afraid of the dullness of its subject matter, and of being lost in the swarm of patronizing eco-documentaries, Carbon Nation tries really hard to speak to the language of "young people these days."
Kam Williams, TheLoop21.com
A sobering documentary which makes a convincing case that climate change is a national security issue.
Avi Offer, NYC Movie Guru
Mildly captivating albeit one-sided and over-simplified. It merely presents a reader's digest overview of climate change solutions [that's] more overwhelming than inspirational.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A documentary with a varied group of Americans talking about solutions to the very-real crisis of climate change.
Donald J. Levit, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
To a point, it is refreshing to listen to positive talking heads in fields and factories. But there are so many faces that one cannot keep track of who's who and what's what.
Rob Humanick, Projection Booth
Will the grandchildren of our grandchildren cherish our memory because we rose as one and did the right thing?
Eric Monder, Film Journal International
Highly informative, relatively upbeat take on global warming.