Before the FloodThe devastating effects of industrialization and human negligence have resulted in the global problem of climate change. As humanity strives to move forward and progress, economic gain has systematically taken precedence over environmental management, which has had devastating effects on the health of our planet. Before the Flood is a documentary released as part of National Geographic's efforts to bring climate change to the forefront of media coverage. The film follows Leonardo DiCaprio (a United Nations messenger of peace) on a two-year journey as he travels the world and explores the expansive effects of global warming; from the bustling cities of China to the melting ice caps of the Arctic. DiCaprio sparks conversations with scientists, activists and public figures in an effort to raise awareness and understand the reality of the state of our planet. By identifying specific environmental issues and explaining humanity's role in producing them, DiCaprio is able to address climate change as an urgent problem and shine a light on the human actions that have catalyzed the state of the world today. 'today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Although climate change is a large and complex issue, its foundations are built on years of prioritizing economic gain over environmental preservation. From transportation fuel to food production, the price of modern industrialized living is paid at the expense of the planet that exists to feed us. The constant burning of fossil fuels has led to such an increase in greenhouse gases that global temperatures have doubled in the past 20 years, melting 75% of the Arctic ice in just half a century. Experts predict an ice-free Arctic as early as 2020. The film's cinematic journey begins in Greenland, where aerial shots reveal rough waters and falling ice levels. DiCaprio consulted Jason Box, a geology professor in Greenland, who said that over the past five years, more than ten meters of glacial ice has melted due to the planet's rising temperature. If this rate continues, Greenland could disappear completely within five years. And while rising sea levels in the arid regions of the Arctic bring a plethora of complications and problems, the increase in population is forcing other countries to struggle to accommodate their sheer numbers of people. DiCaprio continues his story by traveling to Beijing and ultimately India to discuss the relationship between population and pollution. levels. Air pollution hangs like a dark fog over Beijing and many of China's bustling cities, due to the massive quantities of coal burned to fuel the consumerist lifestyle of an ever-growing population. And even though renewable energy sources such as solar power or hydropower have been perfected, societies still fail to prioritize the planet above economic interests. Due to the costs associated with the implementation of these new energy production systems, coal and fossil fuels still remain at the heart of our current energy storage. At the helm of this dangerous attitude is the United States and other first world countries. Sunita Narain, director of the Center for Science and Environment, placed the role of.