PLANET GREEN WORLD PREMIERE DOCUMENTARY ACID TEST FEATURING SIGOURNEY WEAVER UNCOVERS THE OTHER CARBON PROBLEM A STARTLING THREAT FACING TODAY’S OCEANS
Planet Green and Leading Advocacy Groups Join Forces during the Network’s Month-long Blue August Programming Initiative
July 15, 2009
Silver Spring, Md. - Planet Green announced the world premiere of ACID TEST: THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE OF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION on Wednesday, August 12 at 10:30PM ET. Featuring narration and commentary by actress Sigourney Weaver, ACID TEST is a groundbreaking documentary produced by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) that explores the disturbing phenomenon of ocean acidification, which may soon challenge the survival of thousands of marine species.
"The other carbon problem," as many scientists refer to our oceans' changing chemistry, is at the center of this revealing documentary. Carbon dioxide pollution is the primary cause of global warming, but it is also making ocean water more acidic. Since the industrial revolution, the ocean has absorbed a quarter of all the carbon dioxide emissions produced by burning fossil fuels - causing a 30% increase in ocean acidity. What does this mean for life in the ocean? It's a matter of chemistry, and when acidity gets too high, the shells of sea creatures dissolve, threatening the entire ocean food web.
Such conditions haven't existed since the extinction of the dinosaurs, and the recreation of those conditions so quickly is leaving many ocean animals unable to adapt. Society can take steps to ensure the health of the oceans, but time is running out. ACID TEST reveals to viewers why it is critical to take action now, and how people can become part of the solution in securing a healthier future for the world's oceans and humankind.
ACID TEST makes its debut within Planet Green's special programming event, Blue August, a robust month of on-air and online content that brings to life the wonders and mysteries of all things aquatic -- from the majesty of our oceans to the critical issue of clean drinking water. Hosted by prominent conservationists and explorers Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau, Blue August features awe-inspiring documentaries including the network premiere of the Blue Planet series. In addition to ACID TEST, Planet Green will also premiere a special episode of FOCUS EARTH WITH BOB WOODRUFF on Wednesday, August 12 at 10PM ET that examines the state of our oceans and freshwater systems.
Blue August also features innovative and entertaining short-form content and commentary from world renowned partners and experts on PlanetGreen.com and TreeHugger.com to captivate and immerse audiences in a world of intrigue, real-life drama and the important choices that will shape our future. In addition to NRDC, Ocean Conservancy, Oceana and the United Nations Environment Programme have joined Planet Green for the month-long initiative.
ACID TEST: THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE OF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION premieres on Wednesday, August 12 at 10:30PM ET on Planet Green. ACID TEST was produced by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) for Planet Green, and directed by Daniel Hinerfeld and Tristan Bayer.
About Planet Green:
Planet Green is the multi-platform media destination devoted to the environment. Launched on June 4, 2008, this brand with a mission is available in 57 million homes. Planet Green is the center for a new conversation, speaking to people who want to understand how humans impact the planet and how to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. It's for people who truly want to make a difference in meeting the critical challenge of protecting our environment.
Planet Green and its two robust websites planetgreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer unique, original, insightful, inspiring, and entertaining content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future. Planet Green's unique programming, digital tools, and content will enlighten, empower and most certainly, entertain.
Planet Green is a division of Discovery Communications.
PRESS: To screen ACID TEST or download photos from the documentary, please visit http://press.discovery.com/ekits/blue-august
About the Natural Resources Defense Council:
The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, nonprofit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has 1.2 million members and online activists, served from offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Beijing.