20 Experts Unite

A 1980 conference in Florida, where 20 experts gathered to discuss the impact of CO2 emissions on the climate, is the subject of Tom McCarthy's new film 'A Statement'. The conference, which took place on October 30, 1980, at the Don CeSar Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida, was organized by moderator Tom Jorling, played by Paul Rudd, with the goal of creating a statement to alert the world to the growing environmental emergency.

The film features a talented cast, including Paul Rudd, Paul Giamatti, John Turturro, and Amy Ryan, and is an adaptation of Nathaniel Rich's book 'Losing Earth: A Recent History'. The screenplay is largely taken from actual transcripts of the 1980 conference, which was a mission dreamed up by the U.S. Congress to devise a mission statement assessing the dangers of climate change and making recommendations to Congress.

The conference was a significant event, taking place just days before Ronald Reagan's presidential election victory over Jimmy Carter. Despite the urgency of the issue, the experts struggled to come to an agreement, with different personalities and opinions hindering the process. The film brings to life the challenges and tensions that arose during the conference, as the experts worked to create a unified statement.

The film 'A Statement' is directed and co-written by Tom McCarthy, who is known for his work on 'Spotlight' and 'Stillwater'. McCarthy's approach to the subject matter is character-driven, focusing on the people involved in the conference and their interactions. The result is a film that is both entertaining and enlightening, with a talented cast bringing the story to life.

## Why it matters The conference and the film 'A Statement' are significant because they highlight the importance of addressing climate change. The issue was already a concern in 1980, and the conference was an attempt to raise awareness and prompt action. The film serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to address climate change and the need for continued effort and cooperation to mitigate its effects.

The film's release is timely, as climate change remains a pressing global issue. The story of the 1980 conference and the experts who came together to address it serves as a reminder of the importance of working together to find solutions to this complex problem. With its talented cast and character-driven approach, 'A Statement' is a film that will resonate with audiences and prompt reflection on the importance of addressing climate change.