2013 The New Environmentalists: From Chicago to The Karoo - EDU

2013 The New Environmentalists: From Chicago to The Karoo - 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.

South Africa | Jonathan Deal is leading a concerted campaign against fracking that threatens the Karoo, where sparse desert and majestic mountains converge to create an agriculture heartland and flourishing wildlife reserves.

Iraq | The Mesopatamia Marshes had been a vital life force for centuries until Saddam Hussein destroyed them. Azzam Alwash has taken on the challenge of restoring the wetlands to their original splendor.

Italy | An elementary school teacher began a public education campaign about the dangers of incinerators in his small Tuscan town that grew into a national Zero Waste movement that is spreading across Europe.

West Timor | When Indonesian marble mining companies began to exploit the pristine mountains surrounding her homeland, Mama Aleta Baun organized villagers in a peaceful weaving protest that halted the mining.

Chicago | A mother of three led local residents in a successful campaign to shut down two of the country’s oldest and dirtiest coal fired power plants — and is now transforming the troubled sites into community parks.

Colombia | Unfazed by powerful political opponents and a pervasive culture of violence, Nohrah Padilla organized marginalized waste pickers to make recycling a legitimate part of Bogota’s waste management system.

2013 The New Environmentalists: From Chicago to The Karoo - EDU