Green TV channel goes on air

Green.tv, developed with support from the UN, aims to be a one-stop shop for broadcast environmental information, with a searchable database of programmes made by NGOs, community filmmakers, public and commercial organisations.

Some of the first films to go on air were produced by environmental organisations like Friends of the Earth, Water Aid and the European Environment Agency. But there are also items from “companies with a firm interest in the protecting the environment,” the first one to feature being Barclays Bank with a film on sustainable sports facilities.

“Green TV is a truly innovative project which will no doubt influence the field of environmental film-making and research. It will eventually offer a comprehensive ‘one- stop shop’ for environmental TV programming – something that has so far not been available,” said Eric Falt, director of communications and public information at UNEP.

Areas covered include climate change, air, water, land and green technologies. As well as making use of the broadcast medium to communicate environmental issues, the channel taps into the potential of the internet, including a chat room and the search facility.

Director and producer Ade Thomas compared this to a green video Google that lets you find specific watch programmes on specific environmental issues on demand.

UK environment minister Elliot Morley commented on the launch of green.tv: “There are many more people using the internet than watching TV and we also know that there is enormous interest in environmental issues.

“I think green.tv has tremendous potential, bringing together new technology and innovation in terms of how we spread information,” he said.

The channel can be accessed online at www.green.tv.

Goska Romanowicz