Free screening planned for energy documentary 'Switch'


LAWRENCE — A documentary that explores a variety of energy issues – including what it will take to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable sources – will be shown free on the University of Kansas campus.

The KU chapter of the Society of Professional Engineers will host a screening of “Switch” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in Spahr Engineering Classroom, 2 Eaton Hall. A panel discussion featuring KU researchers who focus on energy issues will follow.

“Our student chapter is motivated to help increase energy literacy,” said Aadish Gupta, president of KU’s SPE chapter. “This documentary puts all the possible energy sources into perspective for its audience by presenting the scientific facts.”

In the film, University of Texas geologist Scott Tinker explores current energy sources, including renewables. The movie strives to be a thoughtful, fact-based and unbiased future of the global energy scenario. Washington Post movie reviewer Michael O’Sullivan says the documentary is “refreshingly free of hot air.” 

Gupta said there are many reasons why the film is worth watching.

“KU houses a wide variety of world-class energy-related research programs, from fossil fuels to renewables and many more. As an integral part of this university … all of us not only have a right to learn, but also must know the facts and figures to make informed choices in the future. This documentary presents the truth in an unbiased manner so you can make your own choices."

“Switch” is being shown at hundreds of universities around the world, Gupta added. This showing will help ensure that viewers walk out with more knowledge about energy issues.

The panel discussion that follows is still being finalized; however, plans include time to let KU researchers share their opinions on current energy issues and how they relate to issues presented in the documentary as well as answer questions from the audience.

 

Fri, 04/12/2013

author

Jill Hummels

Media Contacts

Jill Hummels

Office of the Provost

785-864-6577