The new documentary Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution, brings good news for anyone who’s been crushed by the recent stream of headlines on climate change. Director Jamie Redford takes us on a journey to discover the green energy revolution that’s taking place in towns, cities and states across the country while underscoring issues of human resilience and social justice.
We visit places like Georgetown, Texas where the colorful Republican mayor, a self-avowed “right-wing conservative,” is leading the charge on the green revolution. Georgetown is one of the first towns in the US to run on 100-percent renewable energy. We visit an Apple facility and learn that every Apple store in America is powered by renewable energy. That should give some comfort to iPhone-addicted shoppers this season.
Redford examines how cutting-edge technology, coupled with innovative investments and political will, can have a positive impact despite a White House that denies human-made climate change. From boardrooms to town halls — and even the US Navy — people of all political stripes are finding ways to go green because it’s simply a better, more cost-efficient way to live.
We talked with Redford in this interview, which has been edited for length and clarity.
Titi Yu: So I read somewhere that you describe yourself as the reluctant star. Why were you a reluctant star?
Jamie Redford: That’s because I haven’t done a performance like this since the eighth grade when my wig fell off. So… [laughs]
Well I thought it was very effective to have you in the film.
I just decided to open up my own process of discovery. I decided to take everyone along on the ride. I think there is an inherent resistance to the topic of clean energy and renewable energy. It sounds kind of boring. I thought, well, maybe this might make it a little interesting. Also, I didn’t major in science or technology so I thought if I can understand this, so can everyone else.
You started the journey in your own home. You…