GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE CAMPAIGNS:

AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH
Study Guide

Settings:

1. religious school classes
2. adult study classes
3. youth group meeting
4. intergenerational event
5. social action committee meeting
6. interreligious gathering

Discussion Questions:
Some possible discussion questions to follow the film:

1. What have you learned about climate change either from the film or from other sources?
2. What do you think Judaism says about this issue?
3. How might climate change affect our community?
4. Who is affected by climate change?
5. Is God calling on us to respond to this issue? What are we being called to do? What does the film suggest about the relationship of human beings to the rest of creation?

Additional Activities:

1. Brainstorm actions the congregation can take to address climate change in your place of worship, at home, in school, in your community, etc.
2. Tropical storm simulation activity similar to what was experienced by residents affected by Hurricane Katrina. Divide the group into three families, each representing a different social/economic group (i.e., wealthy family, middle income family, and less advantaged family). A display of magazine pictures representative of each lifestyle, possessions, income, etc. could be used to help participants identify with their family.
   
   Build the drama by telling participants that a tropical storm is reported to be approaching all three families. Each group must plan for their evacuation (where to go, what to take, how to provide for their family, etc.) and share the plan with the rest of the group. Since all material possessions of all three families are wiped out by the storm, lead a discussion about the recovery options (how quickly will life be "back to normal", or will it ever be?). Discuss the theological implications of this scenario.
3. Greening tree project. Develop a worksheet and pledge card for reducing CO2 emissions, and a "tree" and "leaves" out of paper or other materials. As congregation members meet their pledge, they will add a leaf to the bare tree. Themes of greening the earth can be explored.