Tomorrow

Many films about climate change have made the case that the world is all but doomed if we don't do something; this is one of the few that really tries to figure out what that something could be. In Tomorrow, Laurent and her team meet farmers who are growing more food in less space -- and with less chemicals -- who show that sustainable agriculture can really work. They find a company that makes money turning garbage into compost, reducing landfill usage, and they interview financiers who explain how to revise basic economic models in ways that will encourage sustainable development instead of insatiable consumer spending. In short, the movie demonstrates ideas that that work -- that are already working (even if some are ones you've heard of before). The tone is optimistic and upbeat, without shying away from the very real, very complicated issues that we all face.

Tomorrow is a worthwhile watch for sure, but the information is delivered in a straightforward way that, though effective, doesn't always hold viewers' gaze. It can also sometimes seem too simplistic. Yes, it showcases amazing, innovative ways to rethink basic practices, but it doesn't always explain what they cost. The companies here are mostly small startups, and if their processes aren't fundamentally economical, it will be tough to convert their concepts from theory to practice. Still, there's no denying that Laurent's movie is a fun jaunt into the world of possibilities; hopefully some of the people we meet will see their ideas become mainstream.