by guest contributor Tammy Haddad
Photo credit: Joy Ascio
Just as President Trump has announced plans to withdraw the United States from the Paris Accord, National Geographic, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Mayor Muriel Bowser joined forces to host the timely screening of From the Ashes, a National Geographic Documentary Film shown at NatGeo Headquarters. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Michael Bonfiglio, produced by the Academy Award and Emmy-winning production company RadicalMedia and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, From the Ashes explores one of the most contentious topics — energy production, coal and the mining industry. From the Ashes arrived in the Nation’s capital as mayors across the country, including Mayor Bowser, are committing to adopt, honor, and uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Mayor Muriel Bowser
“We are proud to host this screening in Washington, DC where we understand that the effects of climate change are already here, and that without proper planning and collaboration, they will be catastrophic,” said Mayor Bowser. “Fortunately, I am confident that leaders around the country will continue to think globally, act locally, and ensure that our nation remains a strong partner in the fight against climate change.”
From the Ashes captures Americans in communities across the country as they wrestle with the legacy of the coal industry, and what its future should look like under the Trump administration. From Appalachia to the West’s Powder River Basin, the film goes beyond the rhetoric of the “war on coal” to present compelling and often heartbreaking stories about what is at stake for our economy, health, climate and communities.
With Introductory Remarks by Gary E. Knell, President and CEO, National Geographic Society; Mayor Muriel Bowser, Washington, D.C. the event was moderated by Susan Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief, National Geographic Magazine with panelists: Michael Bonfiglio, Director, From the Ashes Misti O’Quinn, Voice from the Film Brandon Dennison, Voice from the Film, Executive Director of Coalfield Development Corporation Carl Pope, Voice from the Film, Co-Author of Climate of Hope with Michael Bloomberg.
The Q and A Panel
The film is part of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s environmental efforts to move the U.S. away from coal and toward clean energy and he personally has promised to provide millions in funding that The United Nations will lose because of President Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris climate deal.
“For over a century, mining and energy companies have been privatizing coal’s profits while socializing its costs,” Bloomberg said. ” Coal plant pollution kills 7,500 Americans a year and causes many more serious illnesses. From the Ashes shows the risks we face as a nation if we continue to rely on coal and examines how Americans in local communities, including in coal country, are helping to lead the transition toward cleaner air and stronger economies.”
“Our foundation is joining mayors around the world to host screenings and discussions in their cities about the transition away from coal. We have great partnerships with mayors because cities are a big focus of our work,” he added. “This is a life-or-death issue that affects billions of city residents, and mayors really are eager to help spread the message.”
“We also hope it will bring more attention to local efforts to help coal communities that are suffering from job losses – a challenge that the federal government has ignored for far too long. We can’t pretend that coal isn’t deadly. We can’t pretend that coal doesn’t contribute to climate change. And, we can’t pretend that coal jobs are coming back. We have to do something about each of those challenges – and that’s what this movie is all about,” he continued.
“From the Ashes is an important documentary that underscores one of the most dominant and controversial industries in the history of the United States,” said National Geographic Global Networks CEO Courteney Monroe. “The film explores the reality of coal’s role in climate change while offering insight into solutions that could help revive the struggling economies of dying mining towns and still safeguard the environment. We are thrilled to partner with RadicalMedia and Bloomberg Philanthropies to amplify the complex conversation about the coal industry as well as alternative forms of energy.”
From the Ashes goes beyond the rhetoric of the “war on coal” to present compelling stories about what is at stake for our economy, health and climate.
It premiered at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival to sold out audiences in April. Beginning June 25th, From the Ashes will air globally on National Geographic in 171 countries and 45 languages.
