Embassy News & Events

21 April 2009
Celebrating Earth Day - Hollywood Style

On the eve of the 39th anniversary of Earth Day, the Embassy hosted over 150 environmental experts, journalists and NGO leaders on April 21 for a special film screening of the Leonardo DiCaprio documentary The 11th Hour.

Following the film, guests had the opportunity to ask questions to the film's director, Leila Conners, who spoke from Los Angeles, California, via a digital video link. The screening was the first in a two-part series the Embassy is holding on environmental-related films. The 11th Hour, which was originally released in 2007, addresses not just the issue of climate change, but also such interconnected environmental problems as deforestation, ocean pollution and consumerism. Assistant Cultural Attaché Rakesh Surampudi opened the event by discussing some of the new environmental policies of the Obama administration, including the dedication of over $150 billion towards a clean energy future.

If you would like to learn more about America's efforts to confront environmental problems, please check out the Embassy's "Current Issues" section at http://www.usembassy.org.uk/eande.html . Additionally, you can contribute to our weekly environment/science blog, written by the Embassy's very own Jock Whittlesey (Environment Counselor): http://www.usembassy.org.uk/esthblog/?cat=4

Professor David Cope and U.S. Embassy Environmental Officer Karen Bronson listening to Director Leila Conners. (Embassy photo)

The 11th Hour Director Leila Conners answering questions from the audience via digital video. (Embassy photo)

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