green.tv, the world's first broadband TV channel dedicated to environmental issues, launches today. green.tv also goes live today as a podcast on iTunes and has a front page listing, courtesy of Apple. green.tv has been developed with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

"green.tv is a truly innovative project which will no doubt influence the field of environmental film-making and research. It will eventually offer a comprehensive 'one stop shop' for environmental TV programming - something that has so far not been available. green.tv has the potential to be become a broadband reference point or benchmark in this field," said Eric Falt, Director of UNEP's Division of Communications and Public Information.

green.tv is the brainchild of environmental film Director/Producer, Ade Thomas: "green.tv will be a kind of green Google for green films. If you want to see a news item about climate change, watch a kids' story about penguins or a feature about wind farms, go to www.green.tv and you'll be able to see some engaging and thought-provoking films about the environment, at a time when a greater understanding and awareness of these issues is critical."

Elliot Morley, UK Environment Minister, said: "There are more people using the internet than watching TV and we also know that there is enormous interest in environmental issues. I think green.tv has tremendous potential, bringing together new technology and innovation in terms of how we spread information."

green.tv will carry films from around the world produced by NGOs, community filmmakers, public sector bodies and companies with a firm interest in protecting our environment.

Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Barbara Young, said: "With the environment being such a prime concern globally, new technologies, like broadband TV, are invaluable mediums to communicate the issues, the priorities, the challenges and help us all work towards creating a better environment."

Tony Juniper, vice-chair of Friends of the Earth International, said:, "I'm sure there's going to be a massive demand for a special interest environmental channel. Friends of the Earth feel very frustrated at the very limited coverage of these issues and as a result of limited coverage the public is very confused. So we do need more good quality coverage of some of these complicated issues so that people can really start to make up their minds about big issues such as climate change."

Greenpeace UK's Executive Director, Stephen Tindale, added: "The mainstream media only have time to scratch the surface of environmental issues, so I think that a dedicated TV channel, that was there to explain all the complexities, will have tremendous demand."

On launch the channel will show films from UNEP, Friends of the Earth UK, Greenpeace International, the Sierra Club, the IUCN, Stop Climate Chaos, Barclays, Water Aid, the Eden Project, npower renewables, the Royal Horticultural Society, the Environment Agency, Ben and Jerry's, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the European Environment Agency.

green.tv will have seven channels covering: air, land, water, climate change, people, species and technologies. In each of these channels there'll be a feature, a news item and a kids story. green.tv will have the look and feel of a global TV channel but it will combine this with the best elements of the internet, giving users access to online chatrooms and the ability to watch video on demand.

"green.tv will be online in a form where everyone can view some fantastic video content about the environment. All they'll need is a broadband connection and all of green.tv's films will be available to view in full screen, no matter what browser or media player people are using," Thomas added.

Press contacts: Ade Thomas, Director ade@green.tv; Michelle Coomber, Producer michelle@green.tv; James Arthur, Technical Director james@gren.tv.

Telephone: 00 44 (0)20 7240 0330.

Notes for Editors:

1. green.tv goes live on March 31st 2006

2. green.tv's URL is www.green.tv

3. green.tv will be showing films from:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), WWF UK, Greenpeace International, Water Aid, Survival, the Sierra Club, Friends of the Earth, the Eden Project, the European Environment Agency, the Women's Environment Network, the National Environment Trust, the IUCN, the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, npower renewables, Farm Africa, the Royal Horticultural Society, Ben and Jerry's, Practical Action and the UK's Environment Agency.

4. green.tv is currently applying for UK registered charity status

United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)

United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)

UNEP FI is a unique global partnership between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the global financial sector. UNEP FI works closely with nearly 200 financial institutions who are Signatories to the UNEP FI Statements, and a range of partner organizations to develop and promote linkages between sustainability and financial performance. www.unepfi.org

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