Climate documentary to be presented at Parkersburg forum

Apr 7, 2019

From staff reports

editoral@newsandsentinel.com

PARKERSBURG — “Paris to Pittsburgh,” a National Geographic documentary, will be shown by Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action at its Third Thursday public forum 7 p.m. April 18 at the First Christian Church, 1400 Washington Ave.

Third Thursday programs are open to the public and free.

“Paris to Pittsburgh” is about individuals battling the most severe threats of climate change in their own backyards. Set against the national debate over the United States’ energy future and the Trump administration’s decision to exit the Paris Climate Agreement, the film discusses what’s at stake for communities around the country and the inspiring ways Americans are responding, the organization said.

The film was produced by the Academy Award and Emmy-winning production company RadicalMedia with Bloomberg Philanthropies. Directed by Emmy Award-winner Sidney Beaumont and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Michael Bonfiglio, “Paris to Pittsburgh” spotlights the cities, states, businesses and citizens taking action and explores the social and economic impacts of climate change-fueled disasters, from America’s heartland to the nation’s coastlines.

Local leaders and citizens present stories behind climate-related recovery and resiliency, as well as innovative efforts to reduce carbon emissions, including boomtowns formerly reliant on coal such as Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh, led by Mayor Bill Peduto, is a city committed to energy efficiency and one of the many examples of bold economic and climate leadership in the film, the organization said. Other locations featured in the film include Puerto Rico, California, Iowa, Florida and New Jersey.

“From innovative ways to improve our food supply chain through Fleet Farming, parking lots shaded by solar paneled roofs to passionate college students making an impact in sustainable energy jobs, this documentary provides a hopeful roadmap for the future,” Geoff Daniels, the head of unscripted programming for National Geographic, said.

Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action said it focuses on raising awareness of the science and danger of climate change. It is affiliated with 350.org and is the Parkersburg chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby and a Science Booster Club for the National Center for Science Education.