PBS Series ‘Planet Forward’ Gets Inventors Ready
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| (left to right) “Planet Forward” host Frank Sesno, Tom Connelly, Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Andrew Revkin. |
“’Planet Forward’ gives engaged citizens, entrepreneurs, scientists and students the opportunity to share their energy solutions and connect those innovative ideas with leaders in the energy field,” said Frank Sesno, “Planet Forward” host and creator. “These ideas have the power to change the nation’s energy future.” The best ideas are then featured online and on TV.
As part of PBS’ Earth Day programming, “Planet Forward” has produced a one-hour special focusing on some of the most innovative ideas received at planetforward.org during the past six months. The focus will be on energy efficiency through innovative technology and game-changing business or policy ideas. The ideas were nominated online, vetted and fact-checked by an editorial staff. Ideas with the most votes will be featured as finalists on Friday’s show.
In looking for informed opinions and first-hand experience, the “Planet Forward” team assembled an impressive on-air panel of judges:
- DuPont Executive Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer Tom Connelly
- New York Times journalist and author Andrew Revkin
- Former Governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm
“I was impressed with the quality and range of projects submitted by students, established companies and start-ups,” Tom said. “While encouraging the inventor and celebrating the spirit of innovation, the program stays grounded in the reality of business today. An idea must grow to commercial scale to make a real difference for people and the planet.”
Stories of inventors and scientists will be featured covering topics such as using algae to produce butanol biofuel, solar leasing programs, gasification of waste to high performance fuels, and even a project chronicling how a company led the retrofit of all 6,514 windows in the Empire State Building in New York City.
Check your local television listings for “Planet Forward” air dates and times in your area.