A new documentary film screening will take place during Climate Week NYC, organized by The New York Climate Exchange in partnership with Stony Brook University and the Science Communication Lab/Wonder Collaborative. The event will feature the film OBSERVER and aims to engage students, faculty, staff, and community members in climate observation and communication.
Stony Brook students, faculty, and staff have access to approximately 30 exclusive seats for the screening, which is scheduled for Friday, September 26 from 1-3:30 p.m. on Governors Island. Public transportation costs from Stony Brook University to Governors Island are covered for those registered through the provided link. Community members may also register through The New York Climate Exchange.
After the screening, attendees can participate in activities that encourage observation techniques discussed in the film. Kevin Reed, associate provost for climate and sustainability programming at Stony Brook University and chief climate scientist at The Exchange, said: “The New York Climate Exchange is dedicated to bringing together academic knowledge, practical solutions, and community engagement around climate issues. This screening and workshop event perfectly embodies that mission by combining award-winning documentary filmmaking with hands-on observation techniques that empower participants to better understand and document climate impacts in their communities.”
OBSERVER follows filmmaker Ian Cheney as he invites scientists, artists, and a hunter to various locations worldwide to describe what they observe. Cheney said: “OBSERVER can foster deeper engagement with science and promote dialogue and community through in-person gatherings. We are especially interested in how conversations around climate can be fostered through this film.”
The event is supported by funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation as well as grants from Schmidt Sciences and the University of California, Santa Cruz Science Communication Catalyst Grant.
J.D. Allen of Stony Brook’s School of Communication and Journalism co-awarded one of these grants with Sarah Goodwin of the Science Communication Lab. Both have previously received National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications.
Allen emphasized the importance of such events for student training: “This screening perfectly aligns with our goal of training the next generation of scientists, science communicators and journalists who can effectively translate complex environmental issues for public understanding and action.” Laura Lindenfeld, dean of the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University added: “Our students will not only engage with cutting-edge approaches to environmental observation but will also have the opportunity to conduct their own research and create multimedia narratives from the experience. This project exemplifies our commitment to hands-on, real-world training that prepares students to communicate effectively about urgent climate challenges.”
The event provides experiential learning opportunities where students collaborate with researchers from both institutions on observational science practices as well as multimedia storytelling related to environmental issues.