In the film, “Do the Math”, which features Bill McKibben, one of the founders of 350.org, he and other activists discuss what must be done in order to combat climate change and the increasing amount of power large fuel companies have in the economy. He describes how the major fuel companies are one of the largest contributors to climate change and that in order for there to be a change, those companies must be willing to change their ways. McKibben also stresses that corporations and colleges must stop investing in these fuel companies in order to reduce the amount of money they are making.
One idea that McKibben suggests is that fuel companies must “stop lobbying in Washington” and they that they “need to stop exploring for new hydrocarbons”. He goes on to say that companies must “work with the rest of us to figure out the plan where they turn themselves into energy companies” (7). McKibben stresses the importance of stopping the search for more fuel within the Earth and instead find other ways to produce energy that doesn’t harm the planet or cause pollution. These energy sources could include solar, wind or hydro power mechanisms.
Personally, I understand that climate change is a major issue for our society and civilization. However, I did not agree with the way the movie did not provide another perspective on the topic or a point of view form the oil companies. I think there are large bureaucratic and social obstacles these activists are going to face and simply saying we need to band together is not going to help the issue or make a drastic change.
