In The Air (Video): Local documentarian explores impacts of fossil fuel emissons on Tampa Bay and its residents
June 17, 2009 at 5:24 pm by Matt De Vlieger
Recently, I received an email from a local filmmaker, Arlen Slobodow of Public Media Productions, asking me to take a look at a 17-minute video he just completed on public health and the environmental consequences of air pollution in the Tampa Bay area. Because I am such a supporter of local independent media production, things that inspire action for the public good, and combating big polluters, I thought I’d share it. Also, be sure to check out my interview with the film’s writer/director/producer, Arlen Slobodow, in my next post.
Video after the jump
The documentary, In The Air, offers insight from local professionals, professors, activists, organizers and public service providers. It highlights the fact that burning coal and oil is hurting our health and the health of our planet and that there are measures we can take today to stop these effects, whether it is asthma or global warming.
Slobodow isn’t alone in his concerns. Yesterday, the Obama Administration issued a report detailing the existing, visible impacts of global warming in the United States. It offered a warning of the risks that lie ahead if we continue to delay action.
“Climate change is a reality, not only in remote polar regions and in small tropical islands, but every place around the country – in our own backyards,” said Jane Lubchenco of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at the report release.
We’re already feeling the impacts of our addition to fossil fuels, but it is not too late to change course. Check out my interview with Arlen Slobodow in an upcoming post to hear what he suggests we can do to act now.
In The Air was produced with a mini grant from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and it can be viewed online at http://intheairtampa.blip.tv/
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