Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth' Turns 20: How It Changed Climate Science Forever

The film's legacy is not about the accuracy of its claims, but how it politicized the climate science community.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Al Gore's landmark 2006 documentary 'An Inconvenient Truth' is celebrating its 20th anniversary. While the film's scientific claims have been debated, its more significant legacy is how it recruited scientists into overt climate advocacy, contributing to the politicization of the climate science community.

Why it matters

The film's impact went beyond public awareness, as Gore directly called on the scientific community to get involved in the 'historic debate' around climate change. This helped shift climate science away from objective inquiry and towards partisan politics.

The details

In 2009, just three years after the film's release, Gore took the stage at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and delivered a 'revival sermon' urging scientists to 'start getting involved in politics.' The scientists in attendance responded with a standing ovation, marking a decisive turn towards the 'pathological politicization' of climate science.

  • An Inconvenient Truth was released in 2006.
  • Gore spoke at the 2009 AAAS annual meeting in Chicago.
  • The film won two Oscars and a Grammy just days before Gore's AAAS speech.

The players

Al Gore

Former U.S. Vice President and the driving force behind the 2006 documentary 'An Inconvenient Truth'.

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

The most prominent and authoritative scientific association in the United States, with over 120,000 members in 2009.

James McCarthy

Harvard oceanographer who served as AAAS president in 2009 and was an adviser on the original 'An Inconvenient Truth' documentary.

Michael Barkun

Professor at Syracuse University who identified the rise of a 'New Apocalypticism' in American life, rooted in science rather than religion.

Matt Nisbet

Researcher who found that in 2009, AAAS members were more partisan and ideological than most other major social groups in the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'No single individual deserves more credit . . . for our public acceptance of climate science—public acceptance that has emboldened growing numbers of mayors, governors, senators, and presidential candidates to embrace the urgency of addressing anthropogenic climate change.'”

— James McCarthy, Harvard oceanographer and AAAS president

“'Leave this city after this meeting and start getting involved in politics. Keep your day job, but start getting involved in this historic debate. We need you.'”

— Al Gore

The takeaway

While 'An Inconvenient Truth' raised public awareness of climate change, its more lasting impact was how it pushed the scientific community towards partisan politics, contributing to the 'pathological politicization' of climate science that continues to this day.