2009 The New Environmentalists - Global Focus VI - EDU

2009 The New Environmentalists - Global Focus VI - EDU

The New Environmentalists share a common goal, safeguarding the Earth’s natural resources from exploitation and pollution. The program features portraits of six passionate and dedicated activists around the globe who have placed themselves squarely in harm’s way to battle intimidating adversaries for environmental justice in their communities. Narrated by Robert Redford, The New Environmentalists illustrates how ordinary people are effecting extraordinary change.

Maria Gunnoe | USA – where a fifth generation Appalachian native put herself at risk by battling Mountaintop Removal coal mining that was destroying her family’s valley.

Yuyun Ismawati | Indonesia – where a woman helped solve Bali’s waste management crisis by organizing and training poor communities to start profitable recycling businesses.

Wanze Eduards & Hugo Jabini | Suriname – where two indigenous leaders organized their communities against logging on native lands, leading to a landmark ruling to control resource exploitation.

Rizwana Hasan | Bangladesh – where an environmental lawyer won a decisive victory against her country’s powerful “ship breaking” industry for decades of ecological and worker abuse

Olga Speranskaya | Russia – where a scientist has created a massive educational network to help identify and eliminate the Soviet legacy of toxic chemicals in the environment.

Marc Ona | Gabon – where a crusader stood up to the government at the highest level to help save a majestic waterfall and rainforest from an iron mine.

'Global Focus' illustrates how ordinary people are affecting extraordinary change. The New Environmentalists employ a formidable array of weapons to wage their battles. Picket signs, GPS devices, legal briefs, chemistry labs, the press, spirituality, traditional dance and sheer determination are among their many resources.

2009 The New Environmentalists - Global Focus VI - EDU