A big organic shout out to former Vice President Al Gore, Oscar winner! And kudos to two of England’s leaders, Environment Secretary David Miliband and Education Secretary Alan Johnson, who are sending copies of Best Documentary An Inconvenient Truth to every secondary school in the country. (Not likely to happen in the United States…)

“The debate over the science of climate change is well and truly over, as demonstrated by the publication of [the ] report by the IPCC,” Miliband says. “Our energies should now be channeled into how we respond in an innovative and positive way in moving to a low-carbon future. I was struck by the visual evidence the film provides, making clear that the changing climate is already having an impact on our world today, from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Himalayan mountains. As the film shows, there’s no reason to feel helpless in the face of this challenge. Everyone can play a part, along with government and business, in making a positive contribution in helping to prevent climate change.”

“With rising sea temperatures, melting ice caps and frequent reminders about our own ‘carbon footprints,’ we should all be thinking about what we can do to preserve the planet for future generations,” Johnson adds. “Children are the key to changing society’s long-term attitudes toward the environment. Not only are they passionate about saving the planet, but children also have a big influence over their own families’ lifestyles and behavior. Al Gore’s film is a powerful message about the fragility of our planet, and I’m delighted that we are able to make sure every secondary school in the country has a copy to stimulate children into discussing climate change and global warming in school classes.”

The DVD will go to 3,385 secondary schools in England, part of a Sustainable Schools year of action to make them models of sustainable best practices.

Book Pick of the Day: An Inconvenient Truth