An inconvenient truth may prove to be an ineffective one.
The movie "An Inconvenient Truth," documents former Vice President Al Gore's simplistic approach to the complicated threat of global warming. Using only a slide show and his own personal accounts, Gore explains the potentially detrimental effects of the United States' energy-consuming lifestyles.
The movie aims to educate and warn the public about daily energy-use habits, but the movie may not be as eye-opening as it was intended. For viewers leaving the theater at a late-June screening in Campbell, the movie seemed to reinforce what they already knew and practiced.
"We're very ecology-minded now and we do an awful lot environmentally. We use solar panels, purchase hybrids and recycle," said one moviegoer leaving the Campbell screening. "We do all these things because we believe in the environment."
Similarly, others in the theater responded that they already use fuel-efficient cars, buy energy-saving light bulbs, take public transit and recycle.
At least one viewer said he had made a drastic lifestyle change before the film's release.
Alphonse Grunenwald of San Jose said he contributed to the movie's message of conservation by moving downtown for "easy access" to his destinations. As a result, he said, he no longer has to commute far for social activities.
Those in attendance who say they already are taking part in the fight against global warming were still glad to have seen the "truth."
"The film was informative, interesting, thought-provoking and depressing," said Rachel Sack of San Jose. " It's something everyone should see."
Sack added that "everyone" should include San Jose city officials.
"The city needs to improve public transportation - it's popularity, efficiency and emissions," Sacks said.
City officials responded that although there has been progress, more could be done to improve the city's energy efficiency.
"No, we're not 100 percent," conceded Anna Jatczak, who helps oversee the city's fleet of vehicles. "But in this generation, constant improvement never stops."
Jim Cogan, chief of staff for Councilwoman Linda LeZotte, explained some of the city's accomplishments in pursuit of a more environmentally safe city. LeZotte has earned a reputation as an environmental advocate on the council.
"San Jose is the first municipal city to join Sustainable Silicon Valley, an organization committed to lowering carbon dioxide distribution," Cogan said. "We also have what we call the 'Green Building Policy,' which deals with alternative ways to develop and make buildings more ecologically efficient. We use single-stream recycling and have one of the highest diversion rates in the country."
Single-stream recycling refers to a method for picking up curbside recycling that requires fewer garbage trucks and less sorting by residents. The diversion rate refers to the percentage of solid waste that is recycled rather than sent to landfills.
Regarding transportation, San Jose's airport is integrating certain alternative fuel vehicles, using compressed natural gas and decreasing the use of petroleum-based gasoline.
More motorcycle parking spaces will be available in city parking garages, encouraging motorists to use the more fuel-efficient alternative. A recent grant from the Bay Area Air Quality District will help modernize the city's diesel vehicles and cut down on emissions.
When asked how he thinks San Jose as a city is progressing environmentally, Cogan said, "Well, we're doing a lot, but we can always do more."
Although San Jose has worked to become greener, significant progress -- in San Jose or across the planet -- may not be seen until those with the information can give it to the public.
And "An Inconvenient Truth," with its built-in environmentally conscious audience, could merely be preaching to the choir--a choir that may not be around much longer if the public ignores the global warming problem.