SILVER SPRING, MD, February 26, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Green, Discovery Communications' global multiplatform environmental initiative, today announced its strategic Board of Advisors representing a broad spectrum of thought leaders in the fields of science, academia, technology, business, environmental advocacy, government and media. Planet Green President and General Manager Eileen O'Neill made the announcement.
"When it comes to our Board of Advisors, Planet Green is standing on the shoulders of giants," said O'Neill. "These individuals are pioneers and visionaries, dedicating their passion and leadership to create a future that balances the needs of humankind and the environment. We are honored to have their guidance and participation as we endeavor to engage and inspire our audiences through Planet Green."
The Board will provide expert counsel on emerging trends, issues, innovations and scientific findings, to help inform Planet Green's robust offering of programming, content, partnerships and public affairs activities across Discovery's media platforms. The Board will also provide recommendations on practical methods to introduce and involve Planet Green's audiences in making a positive difference for the planet. The Board convened in February for its inaugural meeting.
Planet Green Board of Advisors Discovery Communications Mr. John Hendricks, Founder and Chairman, Discovery Communications Mr. David Zaslav, President and Chief Executive Officer, Discovery Communications Ms. Eileen O'Neill, President and General Manager, Planet Green Mr. Graham Hill, Founder, TreeHugger.com and Vice President Interactive, Planet Green
Environmental Advocacy Ms. Frances Beinecke, President, Natural Resources Defense Council Mr. S. Richard Fedrizzi, President, Chief Executive Officer and Founding Chairman, U.S. Green Building Council Mr. Robert Kennedy, Jr., Chairman, Waterkeeper Alliance Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai, Nobel Laureate and Executive Director, Greenbelt Movement International Ms. Stephanie Meeks, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer, The Nature Conservancy Mr. Matt Petersen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Green USA Mr. Jerome Ringo, President, The Apollo Alliance Mr. Larry J. Schweiger, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Wildlife Federation
Scientific Dr. Kathryn Moran, Director, Marine Geomechanics Laboratory, University of Rhode Island Dr. David Suzuki, Co-Founder, The David Suzuki Foundation
Media, Policy and Entertainment Ms. Carol Browner, Principal, The Albright Group LLC Mr. Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor and Environmentalist Mr. Daniel C. Esty, Hillhouse Professor of Environmental Law & Policy at Yale University; Director, Center for Business and the Environment at Yale Mr. Andrew Lack, Chairman of the Board, Sony BMG Music Entertainment Mr. Kenneth Lerer, Chairman, The Huffington Post Mr. Achim Steiner, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme
Honorary Board Members Governmental The Honorable Christopher Shays, Connecticut The Honorable Mark Udall, Colorado Governor Martin O'Malley, Maryland Governor Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota
Discovery Communications Experts Mr. Josh Bernstein, President and Chief Executive Officer, Boulder Outdoor Survival School Mr. Jeff Corwin, Wildlife Biologist and Emmy Award-Winning Host Mr. Philippe Cousteau, Co-Founder and President, EarthEcho International Ms. Terri Irwin, Founder, Wildlife Warriors and Director, Australia Zoo Mr. John Picard, Sustainability Expert Ms. Summer Rayne Oakes, Model and Activist Ms. Sara Snow, Green Living Expert and host of Get Fresh with Sara Snow
About Planet Green
Discovery Communications is a passionate advocate of preserving our earth and a leader in developing television programs that educate citizens about the best qualities of this place we call home. Discovery's commitment to these issues reached new heights when it created Planet Green, a global,cross-company initiative dedicated to documenting, preserving and celebrating the planet. In June 2008, Discovery Home channel becomes Planet Green -- the first 24-hour eco-lifestyle channel dedicated to making a difference by providing tools, information and content that will enlighten, empower and most importantly, entertain. The channel will launch to more than 50 million homes.
Planet Green speaks to people who want to understand green living and to those who truly want to make a difference by providing resources to meet the critical challenge of protecting our environment. Planet Green's platforms include leading eco-lifestyle website TreeHugger.com (http://www.treehugger.com) and the recently launched solutions-oriented PlanetGreen.com (http://planetgreen.discovery.com). Discovery will also launch Discovery Education Green, a K-12 service that hosts dynamic media content correlated to state standards. Discovery Education Green will help teachers integrate Green lessons into their curriculum and empowers students to make more environmentally conscious decisions.