Synopsis
If global warming is real, what is our responsibility to act?
Retiree Cyd Slayton asked herself that question as a Georgetown doctoral student in a class in philosophy and ethics. This focus required her to study the basics of climate science and politics.
Cyd was amazed to learn that we’ve known about greenhouse gasses since 1857 and that scientists have talked to Congress about the potential consequences of rising emissions since 1957. She knew her journey had just begun.
After graduation, she became a citizen scientist and political historian. Cyd decided to go wherever the evidence led her.
For four years she talked with prominent climate scientists, climate historians, and key Congressional staffers working on climate legislation. She searched archives for historical clips. She worked with a documentary crew to create a record of the highlights of the 170-year-old history.
One piece of history in particular captured her attention. In 1957, the work of two scientists, Dr. Roger Revelle and Dr. Charles D. Keeling, resulted in the precise and ongoing measurement of rising CO2. Within years, the “Keeling Curve” began its intersection with politics.
Cyd and the team reviewed the climate action of every president from Truman to Trump. During the George HW Bush presidency, the non-partisanship came to an abrupt end.
Was the polarization the result of usual political infighting. Or, was there something more personal and sinister going on?
In the last months of taping, a backstory provided an answer. It’s a story that has never been told before and it begins with a controversial paper allegedly co-authored by Revelle and a climate-denying scientist. In 1991 the paper threatened the reputation of climate leader and VP candidate Al Gore.
For the first time, the eye witness to this critical period in climate history shared what happened on camera.
Cyd rests her hopes for action on an informed and energized citizenry that can influence government –from local to federal. But she also wonders if she is setting a good example? Is she willing to personally confront the Keeling Curve and change her own life? What is her responsibility?
Synopsis
If global warming is real, what is our responsibility to act?
Retiree Cyd Slayton asked herself that question as a Georgetown doctoral student in a class in philosophy and ethics. This focus required her to study the basics of climate science and politics.
Cyd was amazed to learn that we’ve known about greenhouse gasses since 1857 and that scientists have talked to Congress about the potential consequences of rising emissions since 1957. She knew her journey had just begun.
After graduation, she became a citizen scientist and political historian. Cyd decided to go wherever the evidence led her.
For four years she talked with prominent climate scientists, climate historians, and key Congressional staffers working on climate legislation. She searched archives for historical clips. She worked with a documentary crew to create a record of the highlights of the 170-year-old history.
One piece of history in particular captured her attention. In 1957, the work of two scientists, Dr. Roger Revelle and Dr. Charles D. Keeling, resulted in the precise and ongoing measurement of rising CO2. Within years, the “Keeling Curve” began its intersection with politics.
Cyd and the team reviewed the climate action of every president from Truman to Trump. During the George HW Bush presidency, the non-partisanship came to an abrupt end.
Was the polarization the result of usual political infighting. Or, was there something more personal and sinister going on?
In the last months of taping, a backstory provided an answer. It’s a story that has never been told before and it begins with a controversial paper allegedly co-authored by Revelle and a climate-denying scientist. In 1991 the paper threatened the reputation of climate leader and VP candidate Al Gore.
For the first time, the eye witness to this critical period in climate history shared what happened on camera.
Cyd rests her hopes for action on an informed and energized citizenry that can influence government –from local to federal. But she also wonders if she is setting a good example? Is she willing to personally confront the Keeling Curve and change her own life? What is her responsibility?