Exxon Mobil Sponsoring Climate Silence on Science Channel

I was watching Faces of Earth on the Discovery Communications-owned Science Channel this morning as it discussed finding fossil fuels, both coal mining and oil drilling. I was amazed at how the show didn't mention any negative effects of mining fossil fuels:

• Nothing about oil & gas disasters or deaths inside or outside coal mines
• Nothing about the destructive effects of mountaintop removal
• Nothing about global warming or any other air and water pollution

So I waited for the closing credits. Sure enough, as the "sponsors" frame flashed for only a moment, Exxon Mobil helped fund the series.

Once again, it's a shame that networks that profit from the wonders of nature aren't doing more to protect them.

Raping the Planet as "Green" TV

Why is the channel called "Planet Green" showing reality TV like Heli-Loggers and Extreme Loggers? I understand why the History Channel and Discovery Channel (Planet Green's parent) look to cash in by making cheap reality TV shows about dangerous jobs in beautiful places.

But shouldn't a channel that purports to be about sustainability draw the line at glorifying this?

This gripping series follows different types of loggers, from small family run companies to major corporations; mule logging to heli-logging, revealing the amazing stories of these remarkable men and their quest to log where no other man dares.

Extreme Loggers launches with a visit to remote swamps of North Carolina. When five different crews try and fail to log these wetlands, experienced logger, Bobby Goodson, is called in. With trees growing in mud deep enough to swallow huge logging machines, poisonous snakes and deadly spiders, Bobby has an immense challenge on his hands.

But with $50,000 a week up for grabs it’s a job offer he can’t afford to refuse!

I mean, for that kind of money, how could you NOT destroy wildlife habitat in a previously-untouched wilderness?

Nats Go Green By ... Wearing Green Caps. No, Really.

UPDATE 6/5: The game was rained out. According to the Post, "The Nationals had planned to wear green hats to promote environmental awareness and use a green theme around the park. The 'Go Green' theme will now be used Monday instead."

The Green Miles is a partial season ticket holder of the Washington Nationals. Tonight's game is part of my package and apparently we're all supposed to wear green to the game. Why? Discovery is launching its "Planet Green" channel today and is sponsoring the game:

Nationals players will be wearing green hats during the game.

Discovery will have signs for the Planet Green channel at the stadium and ushers also will be wearing green hats. There will also be random giveaways during the game, including 5,000 free Metro cards.

OK, so it's not exactly an overwhelming environmental agenda. And I doubt we'll hear any mention of the Climate Security Act. But it could be good if the right information is presented in a persuasive way. The Nationals also get some leeway since Nats Park is a LEED-certified green building.

In any case, expect a full Genuine or Greenwashing report on the event in the days ahead.