Movie, panel discussion takes look at climate change

A movie and panel discussion will look at climate change during an event Monday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center.

The movie, “Before the Flood,” is presented by National Geographic and features Leonardo DiCaprio on a journey as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, traveling to five continents and the Arctic to witness climate change firsthand.

After the screening, a panel will address the question of “What can I do?” by discussing local climate solutions and opportunities for individuals to get involved.

Glacier National Park Deputy Superintendent Eric Smith will discuss the park’s sustainability initiatives and collaboration with Flathead Valley partners to address challenges related to climate change.

Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld will discuss his January appointment of the Whitefish climate action planning committee, which will evaluate the city’s energy use and propose specific projects, benchmarks and other recommendations to conserve energy in the city, and propose actions to enhance community resilience and prepare for the effects of climate change.

Whitefish School District Curriculum Director Ryder DeLaloye will discuss the district’s new Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship, currently under construction, and the Green Ribbon Schools Initiative.

In the film, DiCaprio goes on expeditions with scientists uncovering the reality of climate change and meets with political leaders focused on solutions. With unprecedented access to thought leaders around the world, DiCaprio searches for hope in a rising tide of catastrophic news. His investigation takes us on a journey to the Canadian boreal forest, the palm oil plantations of Sumatra, and the Central Pacific island republic of Kiribati, which faces an uncertain future due to rising sea levels.

The production visited Miami Beach, Florida, where Mayor Phillip Levine discusses a $400 million infrastructure project meant to keep rising ocean waters at bay, and the Tesla Gigafactory near Reno, Nevada, where entrepreneur Elon Musk talks about new cutting-edge batteries that could make our energy future completely sustainable.

The film presentation and panel discussion are sponsored by Climate Smart Glacier Country and the National Parks Conservation Association. The event is free, although donations to help cover costs will be accepted.