At Climate Week NYC 2016, National Geographic announced its first ever Earth Week, a week of programming dedicated to climate change that will launch ahead of the U.S. presidential election this fall. Nat Geo also premiered the second season of climate change series “Years of Living Dangerously” and unveiled the trailer for Leonardo DiCaprio’s critically acclaimed documentary “Before the Flood.”
Here’s a recap of what National Geographic announced and presented at Climate Week NYC 2016:
Earth Week to begin Oct. 30
In front of more than 800 guests representing businesses, governments and environmental organizations from around the world who had gathered on Wednesday at the American Museum of Natural History for the world premiere screening of the new season of “Years of Living Dangerously,” National Geographic Global Networks CEO Courteney Monroe announced Earth Week, an entire week of National Geographic Channel programming dedicated to the topic of climate change. Earth Week begins Sunday, Oct. 30, and will air in 171 countries and 45 languages.
The premiere of the second season of the Emmy Award-winning “Years of Living Dangerously” will air at 8 p.m. on the first night of Earth Week, followed by the commercial-free television premiere of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens and environmental activist, U.N. Messenger of Peace and Academy Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s documentary “Before the Flood” at 9 p.m. (an encore will air at 10:30 p.m.).
“Now, the timing of our Earth Week programming event is no coincidence – it is intended to bring climate change to the forefront of the conversation ahead of the U.S. elections,” Courteney said. “But for us, climate change transcends politics. It is beyond an American issue. It is a global, human issue that demands attention from leaders in the highest offices all across the world.”
She added that National Geographic believes it’s its duty to inform voters on these issues “and encourage people to vote in November like our lives depend on it – because when it comes to climate change, they actually do.”
“Years of Living Dangerously” premiere
Earlier in the week, at the Opening Ceremony for Climate Week NYC 2016, National Geographic Channel President of Programming Tim Pastore unveiled a short teaser video for “Years of Living Dangerously” produced by filmmaker James Cameron.
“From executive producers James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the series this year once again features an A-list line up of celebrity correspondents as they explore a wide array of topics including carbon pricing, the California water crisis, the future of electric vehicles, species extinction, climate migrants, deforestation and super storms,” Tim said.
“We are the first generation to experience the effects of climate change and the last generation in a position to do something about it,” Courteney said at Wednesday’s premiere. “Think about that for a moment. We hope, like us, you’ll see this not as cause for despair but as an opportunity – a call to action – for all of us alive at this pivotal moment to take the bold steps necessary to create a flourishing future for generations to come. As a mother of two young children, nothing resonates with me more.”
“The idea of this is: Let’s communicate to people that we all have to work together – Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Decline to State – everybody should work together,” said Years of Living Dangerously Executive Producer Arnold Schwarzenegger. “It’s not conservative versus Democrat. There is no conservative air. There is no liberal air. We all breathe the same air.”
Arnold was joined by many of the series’ celebrity correspondents in attendance, including Gisele Bundchen, Bradley Whitford, America Ferrera, Joshua Jackson and Ian Somerhalder.
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“Before the Flood” trailer
During her remarks Wednesday evening, Courteney also debuted the trailer for “Before the Flood,” which National Geographic Channel acquired in August.
“Before the Flood [presents] a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change,” she said. “This incredibly engaging film follows Leo’s personal journey as he travels to five continents, as well as the Arctic, speaking to scientists, world leaders and local residents to gain a deeper understanding of this complex issue.”
For the past decade, 21st Century Fox has been committed to reducing its environmental impacts, growing sustainably and inspiring others to take action. From leading the film and television industry in sustainable production practices, to investing tens of millions of dollars in renewable energy generation and carbon offsetting, 21CF is addressing the climate change impacts of its own operations. With the unrivaled reach, bold storytelling and scientific resources of National Geographic, the company will engage a global audience to take action as well. Courteney spoke to this opportunity, noting “[W]e believe in the power of storytelling to inspire people to change the world… Truly great storytelling can connect with audiences in really profound ways. This is especially true when it explores themes that transcend our differences – and reflect universal values – like the human connection to nature.”
Learn more about National Geographic’s announcements and see the Earth Week schedule, which begins Oct. 30.
The second season of “Years of Living Dangerously” will air on National Geographic Channel on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.
“Before the Flood” will premiere in theaters on Friday, Oct. 21. The documentary will air globally on National Geographic Channel on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
