350.org blog
Carbon Nation argues for the benefits of a low-carbon economy
02/10/11, 1:57pm
Sara Camp
Here at 350.org, we believe in the power of storytelling as a dynamic tool for connecting people across international boundaries, and as an effective medium for building a thriving global climate movement—the International Day of Climate Action and the 10/10/10 Global Work Party are two record breaking examples of this in action. It's always inspiring to hear from our allies who are sharing their own stories of clean energy and climate solutions throughout their networks, so I was thrilled when Peter Byck, the Director of Carbon Nation, told us about his film opening in select theaters this week.
From the website, "Carbon Nation is an optimistic, solutions-based, non-partisan documentary by Director Peter Byck that illustrates why it’s incredibly smart to be a part of the new, low-carbon economy: it’s good business, it emboldens national and energy security, and it improves health and the environment. Opening in New York on February 11 and Los Angeles on February 18, Carbon Nation will continue to play in theatres across the country in coming months." To read the full description, click the Read More link below.
"The film features a cast of engaging and endearing characters from across the country, in towns big and small, and introduces us to a new wave of American ingenuity. One-armed Texas cotton farmer Cliff Etheridge is banding together the land of his neighbors to create one enormous wind farm. Meanwhile, Colonel Dan Nolan (ret), an outspoken “Green Hawk” is working to make bases the Pentagon more energy efficient, not only saving fuel, but American lives. Former CIA Director James Woolsey, who believes that the nation’s addiction to oil is the biggest threat to our national security, is one of the most vocal proponents for the plug-in hybrid car. And, finally, green jobs innovator Van Jones, is bringing clean technology and jobs to inner cities.
Carbon Nation makes it clear that entrepreneurs, visionaries, scientists, and the everyday man are already creating the inventive ideas needed to combat climate change. By bringing their innovations to light, Carbon Nation is a film that celebrates solutions and inspires action.
Narrated by Bill Kurtis, the cast includes: Richard Branson (CEO, Virgin Group), Thomas L. Friedman (The New York Times), Former CIA Director James Woolsey, Van Jones (Founder, Green For All), Col. Dan Nolan, U.S. Army (Ret), Bernie Karl (Geothermal pioneer from Alaska), Denis Hayes (Founder of Earth Day), Cliff Etheredge (West Texas wind pioneer), and more climate change pioneers." Visit their Facebook page or website for more information.
If you live in the United States in one of these cities, we hope you'll be able to attend an upcoming Carbon Nation screening. The film tells an important story, and provides a strong, logical argument for why shifting from carbon to clean energy will not only benefit the climate, but our economy and health as well.
350.org organizers will be participating in Question & Answer sessions after select screenings, to provide information about local climate initiatives and ways become engaged in the climate community. If you plan to attend a screening, please e-mail for more information.
