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Green Time TV, Aug 2017: Averting Climate Catastrophe

on Mon, 07/17/2017 - 3:47pm

Already altering the physical world, climate change threatens human health, our ability to grow food, and the survival of many species, including us. August 2017 Green Time episodes exploreefforts by environmental activists, organizations and local governments to combat climate change.

In February, 2017 the US Army Corps of Engineers said it planned to grant the final easement needed for completion of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). By May, 2017, before it was up and running, DAPL had already leaked at three different locations. In the first August Green Time, host Don Fitz and guests Bob Criss, of Washington University's Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Byron Clemens, a St. Louis activist, look at dangers of leaks from pipelines carrying fossil fuels. They compare tankers, trains and pipelines and explore special problems with moving fossil fuels under water. There were serious problems with Deep Water Horizon, especially concerning the truthfulness of industry and government. There are ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels, including the direction action of lockdowns.

During the second August Green Time, host John Hickey and guests University City Mayor Shelley Welsch and Maplewood Mayor Barry Greenberg look at how mayors can promote clean energy. They explore what each city is doing to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and how their constituents have responded. Since mayors have to worry about the city budget, the big question is whether these environmental measures cost money or save money. How can citizens get involved in their city government's efforts to support clean energy, such as working with the University City Green Practices Commission? What can other mayors do to support clean energy?

Pipelines are being used to move fossil fuels, including gas, oil and tar sands. What are problems with each? The third AugustGreen Time has host Don Fitz and guests Henry Robertson, of Great Rivers Environmental Law Center, and Alex Cohen, of the Earth Defense Coalition, examine what has happened and is happening with the North Dakota Access, Keystone XL and Spire Pipelines. What legal avenues does the public have to stop a pipeline? What type of direct actions are people taking?

Why should we be worried about fossil fuels and pipelines? The final August Green Time features host Don Fitz and guests Byron Clemens, a St. Louis activist, and Amber Duvall, of Earth Defense Coalition, explore dangers of pipeline accidents. They discuss indigenous people's treaty rights, the right to clean water, oil money investments and financial contributions to political campaigns. They cover issues related to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) and the Diamond, Sabal Trail and Spire pipelines. Byron protested DAPL in North Dakota and Amber did so in Iowa. They look into how First Amendment rights are threatened by legal efforts to prevent protests.

August shows include the movies Oct, 2016 Iowa: Jessica Garraway, Refugio Pipeline Oils Spill, 10 Actions to Resist Trump's Historic Paris Mistake, The Sierra Club Marks Our 125th Anniversary This Year, Lemonade Stops the Pipeline, Three Water Protectors, Backhoe Lockdownand Toxic Dump LiberationGreen Time appears at noon on Saturdays in St. Louis on Channel 24-1 and at 8 pm on Mondays in St. Louis on Channel 24-2, Springfield on Channel 39, Joplin on Channel 36 and Marshfield on Channel 17. Green Time programs air on these dates:

  • August 5, 7: “Leave It in the Ground,”

  • August 12, 14: “Mayors for Clean Energy,”

  • August 19, 21: “Pipelines to Disaster,” and

  • August 26, 28: “Sacred Land vs. Divine Money.”

“Like” Gateway Greens on Facebook and click “Get notifications.” Also see Green Time on https://www.youtube.com/user/GreentimeTV. To help produce Green Time TV call 314-727-8554 or email fitzdon@aol.com