Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Controversial but hopeful global warming documentary.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Cool It
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Since researching and publishing his book "The Skeptical Environmentalist" in 2001, academic Bjorn Lomborg has become active in trying to stop global warming. He has taken the controversial view that, though the crisis is real, the world is not going to end anytime soon, and that there are more practical ways to spend money on solutions. This documentary introduces us to Lomborg, defends his positions, and outlines some of his ideas. Scientists explain how some of these concepts could work in both the short- and long-term. In general, this movie debunks the scare tactics used by An Inconvenient Truth, leaving off with the hopeful notion that the crisis is treatable.
Is It Any Good?
Cool It is forced to deal with the controversy and opposition surrounding its host Lomborg, and it can come across as a bit defensive, causing viewers to question numbers and facts presented here. Nevertheless, regardless of the previous existence of An Inconvenient Truth, Cool It still offers a persuasive, if alternate, argument on the state of the climate crisis.
Director Ondi Timoner does not only focus on Lomborg; he interviews many scientists and thinkers, most of whom support Lomborg's ideas, but some who do not. The good news is that, unlike many issue-oriented documentaries, this one has a fairly positive attitude, and is not out to frighten viewers or make them angry. It simply wants viewers to ask some questions, and not to give up hope. However, as with any documentary -- An Inconvenient Truth included -- it's good to keep an open mind and refuse to take everything that's here at face value.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Bjorn Lomborg is right or wrong here. Does this movie provide enough information to make an educated decision? What else do you need to know about Lomborg to better understand where he's coming from?
How does Cool It compare with An Inconvenient Truth? Is it less scary? Why?
According to this movie, what can an individual do to help combat global warming?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 12, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : March 29, 2011
- Cast : Bjorn Lomborg
- Director : Ondi Timoner
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : STEM
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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