It appears that America is finally waking up to the reality of global warming. While some still want to debate the whys and hows, many are moving forward to search for ways to lighten our ecological footprint on the planet. At Link TV we encourage people to get involved with the issues that matter to them the most, and we are all touched by the effects of damage to the environment. The most important thing to remember is that we are not powerless as ordinary citizens.
In this special program, Growing the Green Movement, we present the stories of people committed to making a difference for the environment -- people who are willing to take it personally. Part One of the special features the Link TV Premiere of Swim for the River, a portrait of Christopher Swain’s monumental journey to become the first man to swim the entire length of the Hudson River. He braves PCB's, toxic sludge, and even a Homeland Security patrol in order to focus attention on the Hudson. Like many of our rivers, the Hudson faces ecological threats from industry, inept regulatory agencies and public indifference. Filmmaker Tom Weidlinger will be joining us in the studio to talk about making Swim for the River, and the issues it raises.
Also screening will be clips from the documentary Solving the Klamath Crisis, a look at the passionate movement to increase the water flow on the Klamath river in order to save the native salmon. California and Oregon fishermen, Native American tribes and farmers have joined in a rare alliance to stop the Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary Pacificorp from renewing its licenses on Klamath’s hydroelectric dams. Guest Peter Ferenbach, involved in the debate as Executive Director of Friends of the River, will be on hand to talk about this conservation dilemma.
ABOUT THE FILMS
Swim for the River
Chris Swain braved whitewater, sewage, snapping turtles, hydroelectric dams, homeland security patrols, factory outfalls, and PCB contamination to become the first person to swim the entire length of the Hudson River from the Adirondack Mountains to New York City. Swain’s adventure links together stories of the river, which begins in wilderness and ends in one of the nation’s densest population centers, told by the heroes who are fighting to protect the Hudson against a range of threats as well as famous people like folk singer Pete Seeger. Most importantly, we see how ordinary citizens can and do make a difference through the choices they make that effect the environment, and the power that comes from joining together around a common cause.
Solving the Klamath Crisis: Keeping Farms and Fish Alive
Starting in 1907, dams were built on the Klamath River to harness hydroelectric power. Now, the company that owns those dams, PacifiCorp, is trying to renew its licenses for the next 50 years. Pacificorp is part of MidAmerica Energy, itself owned by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway. Opposing Pacificorp are the Native American tribes who depend on the endangered salmon that have been declining ever since the dams were built. With them stand the local farmers -- one-time adversaries of the tribes -- who are now turned partners. Is tearing down the dams on the Klamath a powerful vision or a pipedream?
To learn about part 2 of this special, click here .
LEARN MORE:
For more information on Swim for the River go to the official website.
To find out more about river conservation visit Friends of the River online.
You can learn about the Klamath Salmon Media Collaborative at their website.
To help keep rivers in your state clean you can join the Waterkeeper Alliance.
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