Environmental film series raises awareness

Mason Weir, Reporter

SFU students have been given the opportunity to learn more about issues regarding fossil fuel production and consumption, as well as the importance of nurturing a healthy planet, in an environmental film series organized by professor of psychology Sara King.

The films are meant to: emphasize recent science that has documented problems with methane and water contamination; provide information about the energy industry’s massive public relations campaign; and inform viewers about the significant influence that fossil fuel companies have had in recent state and federal elections.

“This is an important issue for all of us,” said King, who serves as director of the University’s Social Responsibility Minor. “I have a strong commitment to the goal of leaving a healthy planet for future generations.”

The film series also points to other concerns about the current fossil fuel boom in the United States, including the effects on communities and the high costs surrounding drilling operations.

Some of the films already shown on campus this semester include Fracking Hell: The True Story of America’s Gas Rush and Annie Leonard: The Story of Citizen’s United.  Other films that will be shown include Fury for the Sound, Triple Divide and There Once was an Island.

“I think the issue with many environmental problems is a lack of knowledge for the specific issues,” said Amanda Swope, an SFU student who attended several of the film sessions. “People know there are problems with the environment, but may lack the knowledge of the particular issues at hand.”