Planet of the Humans

Planet of the Humans is a thought-provoking and controversial documentary film released in 2019. Directed by Jeff Gibbs and backed prominently by Michael Moore as an executive producer, the film uncovers hidden layers within the global environmental movement. While we traditionally view green technology and renewable energy like solar and wind power as eco-friendly solutions to global warming, this documentary suggests a complicated, challenging perspective by revealing that even these "green" solutions come with an environmental price. The film features interviews with environmental activists, industry experts, and other noteworthy figures including David Joos and Kristin Zimmerman.

Planet of the Humans undergoes a deep investigation into green energy, dissecting established presumptions surrounding the technology and its impact on the environment. It begins by assessing the feasibility of solar and wind power to cope with society’s energy needs and questions the potential adverse environmental impact they may hold, such as resource depletion and pollution. The documentary casts a critical look at the environmental impact of manufacturing processes involved in creating green technology; underscoring how our drive to create sustainable solutions isn't always as clean and eco-friendly as we like to think.

Jeff Gibbs leads the journey as the narrator, interviewer, and guide, sharing his own experiences of disillusionment, personal reflections, and challenges around the purpose and direction of the environmental movement. He probes into the relationship between environmental groups, renewable energy companies, and corporate interests, querying if there's an uncomfortable closeness that influences the direction and solutions proposed by environmental activists. This aspect of the film is particularly controversial, leading to substantial debate and discussion following the film's release.

Furthermore, the documentary delves into the biomass industry, a key pillar of renewable energy, and raises issues about the efficacy and sustainability of biofuels as a real alternative to fossil fuels. The film paints a picture of a world where large corporate entities have an undue influence over environmental initiatives, clouding judgment and hampering genuine sustainability efforts.

David Joos and Kristin Zimmerman, along with other interviewees, shed light on different aspects of mankind's efforts to combat climate change from varied perspectives. They offer insights into the complexities and contradictions within the renewable energy industry. Their testimonies highlight various concerns about the sustainability and ecological impact of renewable energy sources, contributing to the film's overall investigation into the realities of mankind's drive for “green” solutions.

Structured like a detective story, Planet of the Humans takes the audience on an introspective journey into the heart of the global environmental movement. It’s a fierce critique, but also a brilliant exploration, into the drive for renewable energy and the degree to which its implementation could add to or solve our environmental crisis. It raises more questions than it answers, leaving the audience to ponder on the true impact of the environmental movement and commercial interests.

The film scrutinizes environmental advocates, energy moguls, and hits hard at the commercialization of the fight against climate change. It raises fundamental questions about the integrity and direction of the environmental movement, offering a confrontational but insightful perspective on renewable energy and humanity’s approach to sustainability.

However, it’s worth noting that while the documentary makes a compelling case, it’s been faced with substantial criticism. Various experts in the field have contested the film's claims and it has faced backlash within the environmental community, with some participants arguing it presents outdated information, or that it uses shock-value tactics rather than providing a balanced view.

Yet it’s clear that the primary aim of Planet of Humans is to spur debate and reflection. The film does not claim to have all the answers, but it undoubtedly forces viewers to question pre-existing assumptions about green energy and the environmental movement. It’s a compelling, controversial, and consciousness-raising documentary that stirs up a much-needed discussion about humanity's attempts to combat climate change, the environmental movement's direction, and the societies and industries that shape our world. It illuminates untold stories, irregularities, and paradoxes within the global conversation on renewable energy, and will likely leave viewers with more questions than before.