Lower Manhattan Now and Then
This past weekend, I passed hundreds of people strolling down the Hudson River esplanade down in Lower Manhattan. They came to this part of the city from all over the world to explore the famous river views and enjoy the fresh air — even the fresh air of a big city.
Looking at the visitors, I wondered just how many of them remember what happened here just a few years ago?
In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit New York. Sandy was recorded as the second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history, and Battery Park City, our neighborhood downtown, was evacuated. It’s ironic that many fled the area and only later found out that the power never went out. Luckily, we stayed in the city and were able to come home soon after.
I can still remember the creepy feeling of driving on the West Side Highway by cab. All the lights downtown were out with the exception of Battery Park. The West Side Highway, which is normally congested, was eerily quiet.
Think Outside the Box
A few days after Sandy hit, I blogged about it in a post titled “Did Climate Change Cause Hurricane Sandy?”
In this, I discussed that we should go beyond our political belief or party affiliation to look at the horrendous weather affecting all of the global community and the obvious changes around us, and that we should collaborate and develop more practical and feasible solutions for future generations.
I also urged everyone to think outside the box called “politics” and make a positive contribution.
We are responsible for delivering results, not debating politics. And as the world becomes increasingly more urban, the importance of bold local action — particularly on climate change — will continue to grow. — Michael Bloomberg
5 Movies to Watch
On Earth Day, we naturally think what we can do to prevent another Hurricane Sandy. On this day, I urge everyone to take a small step and increase your knowledge of how environmental issues impact your work and home life.
One way to expand your horizons in a fun way is through watching movies.
Here, I would like to offer my recommendations for five films that I think offer important lessons on better understanding our environment:
Have you thought how your daily consumption impacts the environment? This is a funny documentary of Colin Beavan, a brave New Yorker, who goes off-grid for one year with his wife and two-year-old daughter.
2) Chasing Ice
Are you a movie buff? Then this is for you — a visually beautiful yet sad film directed by environmental photographer James Balog. He deploys time-lapse cameras to capture a multiyear record of the world’s changing glaciers.
3) Food Inc.
Climate Change is an issue of “how” we live, and this movie can change your perspective on our food consumption as we learn about the food industry in America, including how food is produced.
4) Mission Blue
A big fan of Netflix original shows? This is Netflix original documentary follows oceanographer Sylvia Earle’s campaign to save the world’s oceans from threats such as overfishing and toxic waste.
Still not convinced about watching an environmental movie? How about a movie featuring Matt Damon? A salesman for a natural gas company changes his view on his employer and his work after his business trip to a small town.
I encourage you to check out these movies and share this list with your friends to strike up an interesting conversation on this Earth Day.
Once you see some of them, or if you’ve already seen some of them, let me know what you think by leaving a comment. I would love to get your thoughts!
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