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DULUTH AMONG FIVE MN CITIES FEATURED IN TPT’S ‘CLIMATE SMART: CITIES WORKING TOGETHER’
New documentary to highlight UMN’s Minnesota – Germany partnership to address climate change

[Duluth, MN] — Duluth, Warren, Morris, Elk River, and Rochester will be featured in the upcoming Twin Cities Public Television broadcast of the documentary program “Climate Smart: Cities Working Together.” The program premieres on Sunday, February 11, airing at 8 a.m. on TPT 2 and at 7 p.m. on TPT MN.

The five cities are part of the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment’s Climate Smart Municipalities initiative, which pairs Minnesota cities with sustainability-leading German cities to co-develop efficient responses to the challenges of climate change. Directed by Leya Hale (whose work recently won a regional Emmy), the documentary illustrates how Minnesota cities are “tying their communities' effort toward sustainability to the practical efforts underway in Germany and in their cohort partner cities,” says IonE Director of International Partnerships Sabine Engel.

Filmed in late 2017, the documentary features Duluth Mayor Emily Larson, Minnesota State Senator David R. Senjem (R) District 25, Minnesota Environmental Quality Board Director Will Seuffert, Rochester Public Utilities Manager Mark Kotschevar, and Warren City Manager Shannon Mortenson, along with German partners.

“When we look at Duluth’s future and the legacy we want to leave behind for our next generation, being climate smart is a priority. We are learning so much from our partners in Germany and around Minnesota. It’s not just about numbers and data, it’s about doing what’s right for our citizens and taking care of the small section of this ONE world we live in,” said Mayor Emily Larson. “I encourage the public to tune in and see the hard work taking place behind the scenes from our staff and our partners.”  

“Climate Smart: Cities Working Together” was produced by TPT in collaboration with the Institute on the Environment. “We’re so grateful to TPT for encouraging us to not just pursue our climate-smart cities partnership work, but also to tell the story so it can be shared widely,” said Engel. “This is an unusual partnership – and an inspiring one.”

“Climate Smart: Cities Working Together” will rebroadcast on February 18, airing at 1 a.m., 7 a.m., and 1 p.m. on TPT MN.

About the UMN Institute on the Environment

The Institute on the Environment supports research across the disciplines, develops the next generation of global leaders, and builds transformative partnerships – in service of solving our world's greatest challenges. Our mission is to lead the way to a future in which people and planet prosper together.

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