Jeremy Jones, a professional snowboarder and environmental advocate, is on a mission to foster dialogue around climate change beyond political divides through his documentary Purple Mountains Live Free or Die. This film reflects Jones’ experience in New England, showcases the dedication of young skiers, and illustrates the urgent need for a unified approach to tackling climate issues in the current political climate.
In an environment marked by political tension, Jeremy Jones, a professional snowboarder and founder of Protect Our Winters, aims to shift the dialogue surrounding climate change back to one of unity and collaboration. Two years following the release of his documentary Purple Mountains, Jones has produced a sequel titled Purple Mountains Live Free or Die, which has been touring the United States since October 7th, starting in Bozeman, Montana. This short film, with a runtime exceeding thirty minutes, reflects on Jones’ personal journey through New England, particularly highlighting New Hampshire, the state known for its political balance. Jones has considerable experience in documentary filmmaking, having directed and produced various films about extreme sports and environmental themes. However, creating Purple Mountains Live Free or Die presented distinct challenges, particularly in engaging diverse perspectives on climate issues amidst a fraught political landscape. Jones shared his frustrations regarding the difficulty in interviewing individuals with differing viewpoints on climate change. He observed, “The toxicity of all things politics has gotten so bad that people just don’t even want to talk about it anymore.” Even as adults hesitated, Jones found hope in the enthusiasm of New Hampshire’s youth, exemplified by a scene featuring the Abenaki Ski Team. This reflected a vibrant community spirit in response to the urgency of climate change. Moreover, Jones engaged with Mardi Fuller, a leader dedicated to enhancing access to the outdoors for marginalized communities, reinforcing the message that the love for nature should transcend political divisions. Through this documentary, Jones hopes to rekindle public trust in science and address the ongoing climate crisis. He noted, “Science leads everything for us. Unfortunately, as a society, we’ve gotten to this point where we don’t like the science.” Furthermore, Jones pointed out the political ramifications of climate discussions, stating that the intersection of climate change and partisan politics has hindered meaningful progress. He lamented that many politicians remain unaccountable, adding, “The sad truth is that there really has been no politician who has lost an election due to taking bad votes for climate action.” In the face of this systemic issue, Jones urges citizens to engage politically and make their voices heard regarding climate policies. “In order for democracy to work, it requires participation.” He posited that if more individuals participated in elections, it could lead to significant shifts in climate leadership. Ultimately, Jones advocates for unity, stating that cooperation across political lines is essential for driving impactful environmental change.
The article focuses on Jeremy Jones’ advocacy for common ground in discussions about climate change in a polarized political environment. Jones has been active in the outdoor community for decades, witnessing firsthand the impacts of changing climate patterns. His recent works, particularly the documentaries Purple Mountains and its sequel Purple Mountains Live Free or Die, aim to raise awareness and inspire collective action around climate issues, transcending political divides. The narrative underscores the challenges of tackling climate change as a political issue while highlighting the enthusiasm of younger generations and community leaders committed to environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, Jeremy Jones emphasizes the importance of civil discourse on climate change that transcends political affiliations. Through his documentary work, he aims to inspire public engagement and trust in scientific evidence regarding the climate crisis. Jones advocates for unity among individuals with varying beliefs to push for meaningful policy changes that address the urgent environmental issues facing society today.
Original Source: www.theinertia.com
