Examiner Exclusive: Bjorn Lomborg and Ondi Timoner talk Cool It

"Fear sells right away," says Ondi Timoner, director of the new documentary "Cool It." "But it doesn't work in the long run to hold attention and it can overwhelm."

Based on the book by the same name and lectures by Bjorn Lomborg, "Cool It" explores the real facts and true science of global warming and its impact. (“Movie Review: Cool It”)

"We found people tired of this topic and imagining the world will end shortly," continues Timoner, noting that he attempted to interview Al Gore, the man at the center of the Oscar-winning documentary "An Inconvenient Truth," but was promptly turned down. "So it can work to the contrary."

Amidst strong and polarized opinions, Lomborg proposes practical solutions to the global warming problem. His ideas include adding a $7 per metric ton carbon tax - 6 cents at the pump - that would raise $273 billion annually and then investing those funds in research and development.

After all, Lomborg says that people are much more likely to adopt changes in their habits and reliances if Earth-friendly products like electric cars and solar panels are actually affordable. He notes that fear-mongering will accomplish nothing and cites the past 20 years of broken promises as proof.

"I certainly hope this [film] speaks to most people, because many I know are scared of global warming and want to hear the straight story ... even if it isn't as interesting as some of the bigger scare-films," Lomborg explains.

When asked what the average citizen can do to make a difference, Timoner notes that any given person cannot tackle the climate change problem all by their self.

"It's a much bigger fish to fry than any one of our kitchens can handle," Timoner explains. "We must push our politicians to make the carbon tax, to oversee that the money is spent in research and development and adaptation techniques and the developing world."

Lomborg, who founded and now serves as director of the Copenhagen Consensus Center, a globally respected think-tank that brings together the world's leading economists to prioritize major global problems, agrees.

"Politicians are weather vanes," he says. "And our job is to get the wind to blow in the right direction. If this film can get everyone to ask their politicians to support research and development, we'll be well underway."

For now, Timoner says that people around the world should turn out for "Cool It" and then encourage others to see the film, as well, regardless of of their political affiliation.

"It's unfortunate that politics draws hard sides that we need to break down now and work together," Timoner explains. "Then try to organize people in your own state around what we propose to push your congressmen and women and senators. I know it sounds ideal but we have to start somewhere."

“Cool It” (PG – 88 minutes) is now playing exclusively at Harkins Camelview 5. Visit NCM.com for specific showtimes.

Are you a cineholic? Be the first to get the silver screen scoop! SUBSCRIBE to the Phoenix Movie Examiner and receive movie news and reviews sent directly to your inbox!