I have a need . . . a need for speed

In May 1986, arguably one of the greatest movies of all time arrived in theaters across the US. It was a movie that taught generations of young Americans about courage, overcoming adversity, and how to execute a proper flyby in spite of a full pattern. It introduced us to great American heroes like Maverick, Goose, Iceman, and Slider.

But Top Gun was more than just a testosterone filled joyride. It was trying to fix America's gaze on a looming threat on the horizon. What was that threat? The USSR? A rogue state in the Middle East? Or was Maverick trying to warn us about something else?

I think he was, because that's just how he rolled. I argue here that Top Gun, and it's main character Maverick, were trying to warn us about the dangers of global climate change. I've just blown your mind haven't I? I'll pause here to let this sink in.

Think about it. The theme song alone, "Highway to the Danger Zone" by Kenny "Kellogg" Loggins, alludes to the dangers of runaway greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). But the movie delves deeper into the challenges we face.

In the opening scene Maverick goes into a high speed inverted dive with a MiG which, for those of you who are connoisseurs of the movie will recall, Iceman suggests is impossible. He of course represents the vested interests in our economy who hold on to the status quo with every last ounce of strength and suggest a transition to a low carbon energy future is a fantasy. The name itself, "Iceman", identifies a relic of the past.

Maverick challenges that status quo, but not without some loss. Goose's untimely death, which brings a tear to my eye every time I watch the movie, shows us that leaving behind what we know and cherish can be hugely difficult and painful. This reflects the "creative destruction" that will come with a shift to a new energy future. Mav questions himself and his motives after Goose dies. He almost gives up and yet, deep down, he knows that would just be un-American. So what does he do? He answers the call and saves Iceman.

Why would he save a relic? Because Mav knows, in all his mighty wisdom, that a transition to a new energy age doesn't happen overnight. He knows that 20th Century technology will still be needed to make a smooth shift into what needs to become the status quo of the 21st Century - increased use of renewables, nuclear power, and energy efficient products.

After Maverick has saved the day, we witness him throwing Goose's dog tags off the carrier which solidifies his break with the past. Something we all need to do if we hope to make a rapid transition to a low carbon 21st Century economy.