A Year on Earth to Appear on Discovery Kids

Two-part broadcast  December 3 and 10 features students on Earthwatch expeditions 

Earthwatch Institute, Maynard, MA, September 18, 2006-Three teenagers...five continents...one mission: to take the pulse of the planet and report back to their generation.  Are they up to the task? Find out on December 3 and 10, when A Year on Earthpremiers on national cable television.
 
A Year on Earth chronicles the adventures of three American teens: Jamie Fiel, 18, Arsen Ewing, 17, and Tyler Robinson, 16, who have little in common except for a shared concern that time is running out for endangered species and ecosystems in decline. Nominated by their respective science teachers, the teens join Earthwatch research projects around the globe to discover how ordinary people can get involved. They study the most pressing environmental issues of our time, working alongside leading researchers who explore the ecological effects of global warming, the decline of coral reefs, the impact of deforestation, and more. 

This riveting, two-part special debuts on the Discovery Kids Channel on Sunday, December 3 from 5-6:30 PM (ET) repeating from 9-10:30 PM (ET)  Part two airs the following Sunday, December 10 from 5-6 PM (ET) repeating from 9-10 PM (ET)

From Botswana's Okavango Delta to Sri Lanka, right after the 2004 tsunami hit, the teens work side by side with Earthwatch scientists, gathering evidence of environmental problems and working toward solutions.  Their assignments are as varied as their locations: measuring and banding pink flamingoes in Kenya's Great Rift Valley; wrangling dangerous crocs in Botswana; tracking giant sea turtles in Costa Rica; and exploring an important archaeological site in Thailand. 

Throughout the journey, the kids send daily blogs followed by thousands of students back in the U.S. and talk by satellite phone for a live Q & A sessions. Sending letters to government officials, making videos, and talking about the issues, Jamie, Arsen, and Tyler become determined to make a world of difference.

But A Year on Earth is more than just a global expedition; it's also a powerful journey of self-discovery. By working with Earthwatch scientists, the students understand the long-term view, at a moment when time for environmental solutions is running out. The more they see, the more they understand that solutions to important environmental issues start with the power of one, individual action. In the words of Jamie, "You think you're going out to change the world, but in the end, the world changes you."

Shot in high-definition, A Year on Earth was produced by Bahati Productions. John Heminway and Katie Carpenter are producers, writers and directors. For Discovery Kids, Marjorie Kaplan is the executive in charge of production. Earthwatch President Ed Wilson is featured in the documentary, inspiring the students with their mission and challenging them to deliver their best.  

Earthwatch Institute is a unique volunteer organization that brings science to life for people concerned about the Earth's future. Founded in 1971, Earthwatch supports scientific field research by offering ordinary people the opportunity to join research teams around the world. Every year over 4,000 volunteers join scientific research teams. The teens in the film visited only a few of 140 research projects open to the public. To find out how you can join these tax-deductible volunteer vacations, see www.earthwatch.org 

The Earthwatch web site also contains background on scientists featured in the film, and their research projects.   

A Year on Earth - Teens:
Jamie Fiel, age 18, based in PA, available for interview:  Jamie's daily journals about their adventures can be found at http://earthbound3.earthwatch.org/CR.html  She was especially inspired by the Earthwatch project in Thailand: "The head scientist, Charles Higham, showed everyone the excitement and complete wonderment that goes along with studying ancient burial sites. I have always wanted to be an archeologist and this project just reinforced the reasons why I wanted to be one."

Arsen Ewing, age 17, based near Oakland, CA, available for interview:  Born in Haiti and raised in a redwood forest near Oakland, California, Arsen sees the land of his birth as a place shattered by environmental destruction - a fate he feels may come to other parts of the world if we delay any further. He is active in Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots environmental education program.

Tyler Robinson, age 16, Lincoln, MA and New York City:  A passionate filmmaker and scuba diver, Tyler used his talent to shoot video diaries during the making of A Year on Earth.

Press contacts:
Public Relations Director   
prdirector@earthwatch.org
Earthwatch Institute
(800) 776-0188 

www.earthwatch.org            http://earthbound3.earthwatch.org