Northfield Ecocentre ask: Are we living in the age of stupid?

• Jan. 19 by Rebekah Douglas (0)

This week Northfield Ecocentre are offering local citizens the chance to join them in a film viewing that may change the way we think about what is in store for our planet in 50 years time.

On Thursday evening the team will be showing 2008’s hit film ‘The Age of Stupid’ which aims to challenge the way we think about the future of our planet and what effect climate change will have.

Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living alone in the devastated future world of 2055, looking at old footage from 2008 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance? 

The film is bound to raise awareness amongst guests about what we should be doing in order to spare our grandchildren from living in such a world.

Following the screening, Northfield Ecocentre will also be offering a ‘Climate Question & Answer session’ with Richard Burden MP for Northfield, Sandy Taylor Head of Climate Change and Sustainability for Birmingham City Council and Joe Peacock of Birmingham Friends of the Earth.

The audience will have the chance to pick the brains of these guest speakers and find out what is being done to combat climate change in Northfield and wider Birmingham.

Georgia Stokes, Manager of Northfield Ecocentre said: “Since the global premier of ‘The Age of Stupid’ it has often been said that everyone should see this film. We can’t see climate change happening on a daily basis so it’s easy to ignore. ‘The Age of Stupid’ shows us what the future of the world could become if we keep on ignoring it.

“As The Archivist [Pete Posthelwaite] says in the film “We wouldn’t be the first life form to make itself extinct. But what would be unique about us is that we did it knowingly. What does that say about us?”’

Oscar-nominated writer of Shadowlands and Gladiator William Nicholson, has commented n the effects of the film. He said: “I hate this film. I felt as if I was watching all my own excuses for not doing anything about climate change being stripped away from me. And it’s tender and funny and wise as well. Can I just pretend I never saw it?”

The viewing will give you the chance to form an opinion on the issues raised in the film and find out what changes need to be made to your lifestyle and how you can do this. Or if you just fancy quizzing the guest speakers and finding out what is already being done to tackle the climate change problem then come along and get in on the action!

The event is free and takes place on 21/01/10 at 7:30pm at the centre in Northfield. Booking is essential as places are filling up fast so call 0121 448 0119 or email enquiries@northfieldecocentre.org to book your place now.

Don’t miss your chance to be in the know about what’s happening on our planet and what the future holds.