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Countdown to Copenhagen

In December 2009, leaders from across the world will meet in Copenhagen to establish a new climate protocol to succeed the famous Kyoto protocol (which the U.S. never signed). The outcome of this meeting will likely define the international stance on climate change and global warming for the coming decades. Not to get ahead of ourselves this year . . . but we at TERRA think this is the most important approaching environmental milestone of 2009 and the foundation for earnest change is already beginning. So, with this global spirit in mind, let's kick off the new year with some great environmental films and a newly-announced collaboration with the United Nations to continue bringing you fresh content from around the world. Don't change that dial! We've got an amazing slate of films for you in 2009 . . . a year that will be remembered for new beginnings based on sustainable values.

-- ELB

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TERRA 310: Picante! The Power of Peppers - PART THREE

10:05mins | 2007-02-19 | Produced by: Burge, Eric
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Screenshot 1:TERRA 310: Picante! The Power of Peppers - PART THREE
Screenshot 1:TERRA 310: Picante! The Power of Peppers - PART THREE Screenshot 2:TERRA 310: Picante! The Power of Peppers - PART THREE Screenshot 3:TERRA 310: Picante! The Power of Peppers - PART THREE
The third and final dose of Picante! follows the humble chile pepper on its evolutionary journey from commonly used kitchen spice to dangerous street weapon. The active compound of the pepper, capsaicin, may be naturally occurring, but this doesn't mean it can't cause serious harm. Graphic footage from the "Battle of Seattle" (the World Trade Organization protests of November 30th, 1999) and the late 1990s protests (in defense of old-growth forests) reveals how law enforcement has occasionally misused pepper spray in the line of duty. Police evidently underestimated the power of capsaicin and in some cases were even found guilty of "excessive use of force." The story of the chile is part of an ancient mythology. That mythology states the chile was first and foremost a gift. As science discovers countless new uses for the chile, we hope that such breakthroughs will continue to yield a harvest of new blessings while continuing to add flavor and magic to our lives.
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