The Last Mountain

Monday, February 7, 2011, 6:30 - 8pm

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Recognizing America’s struggle to balance its energy needs and environmental concerns, the Cooper Union Institute for Sustainable Design brings The Last Mountain, a screening and panel discussion, to the center of discussion by noted industry experts. Written, directed and produced by Bill Haney, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, “The Last Mountain” depicts a passionate and personal tale that highlights the extraordinary power of ordinary Americans when they fight for what they believe in. In the valleys of Appalachia, a battle is being fought over a mountain, where the mining giants are pitted against local families who are fighting to preserve their mountain, their heritage and their futures. The documentary, which was featured at the Sundance Festival 2011, showcases America's struggle to balance its energy needs and environmental concerns.  A discussion featuring prominent speakers will follow the partial screening. Panelist included:

Bill Haney: Award-winning filmmaker and writer, director and producer of “The Last Mountain”

Allen Hershkowitz, Ph.D.: Senior Scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council

J Henry Fair:  Photographer, principal artist “Landscapes of Extraction,” and author of “The Day After Tomorrow: Images of Our Earth in Crisis”

Moderator Liz Judge: Campaign manager for Earthjustice, a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting natural resources and defending the right of all people to a healthy environment.

 

Made possible with support from the NRDC

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.