'Planet Forward' brings people together, explores solutions to climate change

The television broadcast of Planet Forward an innovative media project that advances the discussion on energy and climate change and migrates from the web to television and back, will take place on PBS on April 15, 2009, at 8 p.m. (check local listings).

A virtual public square, “Planet Forward” is fueled by the power of ideas — from students to scientists, entrepreneurs to activists — as they make their case for what they think about the nation’s energy future. Hosted by Frank Sesno, “Planet Forward” features Carol Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Changes, who participates in the discussion and stresses the importance of a national dialogue on these critical issues.

Others featured in the special include Shai Agassi, Founder and CEO, Better Place; James Connaughton, Former Chairman, Bush White House Council on Environmental Quality, and currently Executive Vice President, Constellation Energy; and L. Hunter Lovins, President and Founder, Natural Capitalism Solutions.

Discussed in the show are new ideas about alternative energy sources including wind and solar power, the controversial concept of “clean coal,” nuclear power, and feasible and affordable green transportation. The creators of the highest rated submissions to the “Planet Forward” website were invited to the taping, held on March 31st at the George Washington University, and had the opportunity to present their ideas directly to Carol Browner, President Obama’s Assistant for Energy and Climate Change.

Says Browner, “There’s tremendous enthusiasm and tremendous desire for change. We don’t have to do this alone. We have a lot of friends and people willing to take the first steps necessary. But ultimately, we also have to provide the resources and the framework. We can do this. I am very, very confident we can change the energy future of the United States and thereby change the future of the world.”

The “Planet Forward” broadcast also releases results from a new opinion survey from Public Agenda, The Energy Learning Curve. The research tracks public attitudes around issues such as energy, climate change and economic impact, revealing what the public knows and what it needs to know to come up with solutions to these challenges.

“Planet Forward” will continue to accept new submissions until at planetforward.org. The new content is eligible to become part of a “Planet Forward” web sequel that will be taped May 19 at The George Washington University and then streamed online. Frank Sesno will be joined by Van Jones, White House Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, to discuss the new content.

“Planet Forward” is a co-production of the Public Affairs Project at The George Washington University and Nebraska Educational Telecommunications in collaboration with Public Agenda and Sunburst Creative Productions.