Exploring the dramatic origin story of the climate crisis and how a political battle in the George H.W. Bush administration changed the course of history.
Editing
Razor-sharp archival stitching that builds genuine suspense.
Direction
Shenk, Kos & Cohen turn policy wonkery into tragedy.
Director
Jon Shenk
George H. W. Bush
Self (archive footage)
Ronald Reagan
Self (archive footage)
Bill Clinton
Self (archive footage)
Al Gore
Self (archive footage)
Saddam Hussein
Self (archive footage)
Rush Limbaugh
Self (archive footage)
Tom Brokaw
Self (archive footage)
Dana Carvey
Self (archive footage)
Walter Cronkite
Self (archive footage)
John Doolittle
Self (archive footage)
Peter Jennings
Self (archive footage)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'White House effect' phrase itself was coined by climate scientist James Hansen, who Bush's team famously muzzled after initially embracing him.
This footage of Bush Sr. calling himself 'the environmental president' became instant meme material for climate activists pointing out the 30+ year gap between rhetoric and action.
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