Private Screening of “An Inconvenient Truth”

NMF hosted a private screening of Al Gore’s documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth” on Thursday, July 13, 2006 at Bethesda Row Theaters in Bethesda, Maryland. The movie offers a passionate and inspirational look at Al Gore’s fervent crusade to halt global warming’s deadly progress in its tracks by exposing the myths and misconceptions that surround it.

The movie had a profound impact on the audience. One attendee, Peggy Shiffrin was “incredibly impressed.” She noted, “The movie was very enlightening. Al Gore presented information in a clear and factual way and was very credible. He used this opportunity to present the facts of global warming and the policies of the United States government without making it political. It made the movie more compelling and credible.” She also noted, “The movie really communicated that global warming is the most pressing issue facing us today. I have been letting everyone know that this is a movie they must see.”

After the movie screening, a panel of experts and policy makers answered questions and volunteered their reaction to the movie (see panelist bios, below). The panelists offered insights into the science of global warming as well as into efforts each of us can undertake to address the issue. Elizabeth Martin-Perera noted, “The Gore film is a fantastic overview of the science of global warming that empowers all who see it to take action to flight global warming. By bringing scientists, advocates and regulators together to discuss the film after the showing, the Newton Marasco Foundation further empowered viewers with the ability to see the realities of climate policy-making first hand.”

About the Movie

“An Inconvenient Truth” offers a passionate and inspirational look at one man’s fervent crusade to halt global warming’s deadly progress in its tracks by exposing the myths and misconceptions that surround it. That man is former Vice President Al Gore, who, in the wake of defeat in the 2000 election, re-set the course of his life to focus on a last-ditch, all-out effort to help save the planet from irrevocable change. Click here for more information on the movie.

A Personal Message from Al Gore (16 KB PDF)

Expert Panel

State Senator Brian E. Frosh

Brian E. Frosh was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1987 and to the Maryland Senate in 1995. Brian has been described as the General Assembly’s leading environmentalist and is a leader in education, juvenile justice, and energy conservation. He serves on the Chesapeake Bay Commission and the Joint Committee on Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas and has authored a wide variety of environmental legislation.

Elizabeth Martin-Perera

Elizabeth Martin-Perera is a Climate Policy Specialist with the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Climate Center. She holds a Masters of Environmental Management from Yale University and a Masters of Public Health from the City University of New York. She has worked as an environment and energy policy consultant for the European Commission, the United Nations Environment Program and the World Bank. She focuses on national and state climate policy analysis including analyses of the economic impacts of a declining cap on greenhouse gas emissions and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

Dr. Joel D. Scheraga

Dr. Joel D. Scheraga is the National Program Director for the $22.6 million Global Change Research Program in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development. He directs policy-relevant assessments of the potential impacts of global change (particularly climate change and climate variability) on air quality, water quality, ecosystems, and human health. Dr. Scheraga is actively involved in international research and assessment activities, and is the author of various reports and white papers, as well as a book, Climate Change and Human Health: Risks and Responses.

Peter Trick

Peter Trick is Executive Vice President for the Newton Marasco Foundation and a Vice President of SRA International, where he directs the Environmental and Organizational Services strategic business unit. Peter is an environmental lawyer and senior policy analyst with 30 years experience supporting the development, implementation and enforcement of major environmental protection initiatives in water and air pollution control, surface mining reclamation and marine and coastal protection for federal, state and municipal governments. He has worked internationally for 15 years in the Middle East, Asia, South America, Eastern Europe and Africa, building capacity and drafting environmental laws and policies.

Representative Mark Udall

Mark Udall is serving his fourth term representing Colorado’s Second Congressional District. Rep. Udall is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Science Committee, and the House Resources Committee. His committee assignments have given him a platform to address many issues important to Colorado, including national security, energy, education, health care, technology, environment and transportation. Udall serves as the ranking member on the Committee on Science Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. In addition, he is the co-chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, and is a recognized national leader in promoting a balanced national energy plan.

Representative Chris Van Hollen

Chris Van Hollen was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland’s 8th Congressional District in November 2002 and was reelected in 2004. Rep. Van Hollen serves on the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Government Reform. He is also the Vice Chair of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, and a Vice-Chair of the Democratic Task Force on Tax Policy and the Budget. Rep. Van Hollen has been recognized for his efforts and leadership in a range of areas of including education, foreign policy, environmental protection, protecting the rights of federal employees and civil rights.