The Event of the Century

directed by Kathryn Walker

A video interview with Peter deMenocal

What do Florida, the treasures of Venice (Italy), and Bangladesh have in common? They could all soon be part of our past if we don’t muster the political will to reverse course on industrial pollution.

Geologist, oceanographer, and climatologist Peter de Menocal shares insights on the known and potential effects of the continuing development of industrial civilization on world climate — and in the near future!

Low-resolution Version
(dial-up connections – 1MB)

Part One

Part Two

High-resolution Version
(high-bandwidth connections – 3.5MB)

Part One

Part Two

In order to view these videos, it is necessary to install a QuickTime player (if you don’t already have one, which you probably do). It’s easy, quick, and FREE. Just click here to download. The Download page will ask you for your name and e-mail address, but you don’t have to supply it to get the QuickTime Player. Just select your platform (Mac or Windows) and hit the Download button.

A word about video & connection speeds:

If you are like most of us, your connection speed is less than desirable. Regardless, you can view either version of the interview – it just may take longer.

The 28.8k version is a lower resolution version with a smaller window. At a 28,800 connection speed, it should begin to play in about 60 seconds. At higher speeds it will play even faster. It will look the same at any speed.

The 56k version is a much higher quality video with a larger viewing window. At a 28,800 connection speed, it will take 5-7 minutes to buffer before it begins to play. At a 56,000 connection speed – or higher – it will play more or less immediately. It too will look the same at any speed.

Peter deMenocal is Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University, and a research scientist of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, NY. He is the author of numerous scientific analyses, many of which have enlightened debate on the topic of global warming.

An archive of thought, The Millennium Project was first conceived by director Kathryn Walker as a museum installation. From 1991 to 2000, Ms. Walker interviewed hundreds of subjects — from school children to poets; from writers, political thinkers and celebrities to theologians, scientists, and business leaders. What resulted was a diverse array of cultural perception on the meaning to be found in this tumultuous millennial time – a fascinating historical tapestry. Dr. deMenocal was interviewed in 1994. Much of what he conjectured at that time has since been widely accepted as scientific fact, and many of the concerns he raised in the interview still obtain, particularly with regard to global warming and the rise of industrial civilization in the Third World.