GRANTHAM, Pa. (April 18, 2006) — At Messiah College on April 20, national leaders in science, religion, politics and education will create awareness and public conversation on global climate change—one of the most critical environmental issues of the 21st century—at the Pennsylvania premiere of a major new documentary film titled “The Great Warming.” The screening begins at 7 p.m. in Parmer Cinema, located in Boyer Hall on Messiah’s Grantham campus. More than 125 local community, church and business leaders, Messiah College students and educators are expected to attend.

At the conclusion of the film, U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (via video) and State Treasurer and U.S. Senatorial Candidate Robert P. Casey, Jr. (in person), will provide a brief public policy response. A panel discussion and Q&A with the audience will follow, moderated by David Foster, professor of biology and environmental science at Messiah College. In addition to Casey, the panel also consists of:

• The Rev. Richard Cizik, vice president of government affairs for the National Association of Evangelicals;
• John Kermond, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) visiting scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Program Office; and
• Joseph Sheldon, professor of biology and environmental science at Messiah College, and board member of the Evangelical Environmental Network.

About “The Great Warming”

“The Great Warming,” a dramatic 80-minute documentary film narrated by Alanis Morissette and Keanu Reeves, with stunning footage from four continents and eight countries, reveals how climate change is affecting the lives of people around the world.  Produced by Stonehaven Productions, “The Great Warming” goes beyond environmental impacts to show how climate change affects politics, religion, science, education, energy and economics. The film includes interviews with scientists, opinion-makers and social leaders, examining evidence that human activities are provoking an unprecedented era of atmospheric warming and climatic events. “The Great Warming” also showcases innovative initiatives and ideas in practice around the world aimed at reversing the trend toward permanent damage to the planet, as well as scenes documenting the emerging voice of America’s evangelical community urging action on climate change from pulpits across the country. Pennsylvania is among the first states to host a premiere of this important film, which first debuted in New York City on March 23. The film will also open in Washington D.C., on Earth Day on April 22, and on Capitol Hill in early May. For more details,” visit www.thegreatwarming.com.