L-R, “Correspondent” Harrison Ford with YLD Co-Executive Producer, Solly Granatstein, Co-Producer Jeff Horowitz (FCC), and Director of Photography, Rick Rowley on location in Jakarta, Indonesia -- in advance of on camera interview with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the President of Indonesia regarding his plans to protect Indonesia, rainforests given the pressures to grow palm oil.
ABOUT US
Mobilizing Support to Protect Forests to Protect Our Climate
MOVING FROM CLIMATE FORUMS TO FOREST FILMS
Expanding the Forest-Climate Audience
In 2008, amidst a global surge of interest in climate change catalyzed by Al Gore's landmark film "An Inconvenient Truth," Jeff Horowitz and a group of like-minded colleagues seized the opportunity to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. Motivated by the growing urgency of climate discussions, they founded Avoided Deforestation Partners (ADP), recognizing the crucial role of forests in mitigating climate change. As discussions around climate solutions gained traction, ADP emerged as a pioneering force in advocating for forest protection and restoration.
Convening influential figures from across sectors, ADP's efforts were instrumental in mobilizing support for policies and investments aimed at preserving our planet's natural resources. Over the years, ADP's impact reverberated in venues worldwide, from U.S. Congressional hearing rooms in Washington DC, to the international UN Climate Conferences. In many instances, ADP truly moved the dial with tangible results in the fight against deforestation. However, as the organization evolved, it became evident that broader public awareness was essential to galvanize widespread support for forest conservation efforts.
UN Secretary General, The Hon. Ban Ki-Moon - opening speaker at ADP event during UN climate conference in Cancun, Mexico.
Secretary of State John Kerry, speaking at an ADP event held in the US Senate Caucus Rm, Washington, DC.
AD Partners panel facilitated by Jeff Horowitz, during UN Rio +20 event - special speakers; Sir Richard Branson, actor Ed Norton and Dr. Jane Goodall.
AD Partners private event at UN Climate Conference in Duban, South Africa. Event chair Dr. Jane Goodall delivering opening address.
Special ADP hosted conversation between the two Environmental Nobel Peace Prize winners, Wangari Maathai of Kenya and former Vice President, Al Gore, the US, moderated by journalist Dan Rather.
MOBILIZING OUR ADVOCATES
Converting Policy Champions to Movie Messengers
Forest-Climate Connect (FCC) was created to build upon the foundation laid by ADP, but with a clear shift towards raising public awareness. Understanding the crucial need for global support to combat deforestation and restore forests, FCC aims to help ensure widespread understanding and backing for this vital cause at all societal levels. Utilizing media platforms to tell compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences is seen as the most effective way to achieve this goal.
The objective is simple: to repurpose our ADP policy champions as on-camera messengers, thus amplifying our impact and reaching broader audiences. This transition goes beyond changing platforms; it's about connecting with mainstream viewers through high-quality media productions. Our mission remains unchanged: to garner worldwide support for land conservation, recognizing its immediate importance in addressing the climate crisis. By leveraging the compelling power of movies and television, we aim not only to spread our message further but also to inspire and mobilize a global community to action.
OUR BREAKTHROUGH MOMENT
Joining the team on the "Years of Living Dangerously" television series
A pivotal moment came when FCC founder, Jeff Horowitz was invited to join the acclaimed "Years of Living Dangerously" television series, focusing on climate change. This extraordinary opportunity allowed him to collaborate with some of the most talented and award-winning television producers in the industry. It was a breakthrough moment, engaging in a high-level project that aimed to shed light on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
On stage in Hollywood’s Nokia Theatre to receive the 2014 Emmy Award for Best documentary series – (L to R), Executive Producer, David Gelber, Producer, Jacob Kornbluth, Co-Executive Producer, Solly Granatstein, Co-Producer, Jeff Horowitz (FCC) & Senior Producer, Adam Bolt
OUR PROJECTS
2014 – Season 1: “YEARS OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY” – featuring Harrison Ford
Leveraging his expertise in forest-climate advocacy, in 2013, Jeff Horowitz was invited to join the SHOWTIME climate change television series "Years of Living Dangerously" (YLD) as a story consultant and co-producer. The series was conceived of by former, award-winning “60 Minutes” producers David Gelber and Joel Bach, and was overseen by iconic Executive Producers James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jerry Weintraub. Jeff brought in actor and known conservation advocate Harrison Ford to serve as the field correspondent for "The Last Stand," a powerful segment, highlighting the environmental and social repercussions of deforestation in Indonesia’s palm oil sector. Collaborating with an exceptionally skilled team, he contributed to story development, coordinated interviews, and ensured key messages were conveyed, engaged in every aspect of the on-location filming. The episode "The Last Stand" spearheaded the nine-part climate series, which went on to win the 2014 Emmy Award for Best Documentary Series
Actor/Vice Chair Conservation International, Harrison Ford with local movie production crew in Sumatra, Indonesia.
Ford on location in Sumatra, Indonesia at an orangutan sanctuary. Deforestation kills and or displaces, thousands of orangutans every year.
Ford in Presidential Palace preparing to interview Indonesian President SBY about palm oil production.
2016 - Season 2: Episode 4 -- “Fueling the Fire” featuring Gisele Bündchen
For the second season of YLD, aired on the National Geographic Channel in 2016, Jeff Horowitz continued his involvement in the YLD, this time as a Co-Executive Producer of the forest-climate segment titled “Fueling the Fire.” He recruited Brazilian fashion icon and United Nations Environment Program Ambassador Gisele Bündchen to uncover the stark reality of deforestation in her native Amazon. Astonishingly, 20% of Brazil's Amazon has vanished, mostly due to cattle ranching. Witnessing this devastation from the air offered Gisele a perspective not often seen by others in her country -- casting a stark light on the beef industry's role in the deforestation crisis. The Amazon endures a loss of 2 million acres annually to various threats, illegal mining (which also has devastating impact on the health of the water supply). Yet, the episode captures glimmers of hope; Gisele accompanies Brazil’s environmental police (on camera), on poacher and deforestation raids. She engages with local indigenous leaders and local activists -- all united in the mission to save their treasured forests.
Gisele Bündchen view from a forest ranger tower, 1500 feet in the air, in the heart of the Amazon.
Gisele on-site with the YLD production crew in Brazil for the making of “Fueling the Fire”.
While flying over the Amazon, Gisele is heartbroken, seeing firsthand, the extraordinary devastation of her beloved Brazilian rainforest.
2016 - “TIME TO CHOOSE” - A Charles Ferguson film, narrated by Oscar Isaacs
While Season 2 of the Years of Living Dangerously was still in production, In 2015, acclaimed filmmaker Charles Ferguson, known for his Academy Award-winning work on "Inside Job" was commissioned to focused on the urgent issue of climate change in his film "TIME TO CHOOSE". Narrated by the award-winning actor Oscar Isaac, the film arms viewers with an understanding of both the challenges and actionable steps we can take against the climate, the biggest existential threat of our lifetime. Forest-Climate Connect founder, Jeff Horowitz, joined the team as an Executive Producer, leveraging his extensive network from ADP to secure a significant portion of the on-camera interviews. The film features dialogues with renowned entrepreneurs, innovators, and courageous individuals on the front lines of change, delving deep into the lives of those dedicated to preserving the health of our planet.
Rainforests in Sumatra being bulldozed to make way for palm oil plantation.
The films unambiguous message – we have the tools and the knowledge comate climate change right now!
Director Charles Ferguson and Producer Audrey Mars on stage accepting an Oscar for “Inside Job” in 2011.
2016 – 2024: “MESSAGES FROM JANE” – forest-climate movies featuring Dr. Jane Goodall
After the completion of both the television series and the feature film with Ferguson, we collected some of the most talented members of the YLD crew to help produce a series of important forest messages. While Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned for her trailblazing chimpanzee research, has also been a vital ally in the fight against climate change and the protection of nature. For years, she has been at the forefront of Avoided Deforestation Partners' initiatives, co-chairing key events and co-authoring influential pieces, including a notable op-ed for TIME Magazine. Together, our team launched "Trees for Jane," a campaign dedicated to forest conservation, restoration, and tree planting, amplifying Dr. Goodall's global recognition as a fervent guardian of the natural world.
In more recent efforts, Dr. Goodall has played a key role in Forest-Climate Connect’s mission -- lending her voice as a collaborator, scriptwriter and narrator for a series of poignant short films produced by Jeff Horowitz and his colleague, filmmaker Mia Sorensen. These works, including "Stop the Burning," "The Forgotten Solution," "Faith & Forests," and "A Trillion Trees," resonate deeply Jane’s lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation and forest protection. They invite viewers to join in the vital task of preserving our planet. Jane’s enduring passion and leadership continue to inspire our team and supporters.
Goodall taking a few moments to prepare remarks before major address at UN Climate Summit.
Catching up with the former Prince of Wales, a staunch advocate for protecting forests and our climate.
Jane Goodall in Gombe, Tanzania, working with community members planting a new forest.
Meeting with World Bank president, Robert Zoellick to discuss financial assistance to rainforest countries.
Greeting UN S-G Ban Ki-moon at an AD Partners event in Durban, South Africa.
In conversation with youth environmental leaders at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland
Jane travels 300 days a year to inspire global conservation efforts, tirelessly planting trees with local communities or discussing sustainable strategies with influential leaders. She stands as our planet's most compelling voice for protecting nature, crucial for the well-being of our climate and the future of humanity.
OUR NEXT CAMPAIGN
Jane’s 2024 Call to Action: Vote for candidates that will protect our environment!
As Dr. Jane Goodall celebrates her 90th birthday, 2024 marks a year with over 50 elections globally, offering a crucial opportunity for voters to elect leaders committed to environmental stewardship. Amidst global conflicts and economic debates, environmental concerns risk being sidelined, underscoring the urgency of our mission: to elect leaders who prioritize the planet's wellbeing!
To address this challenge, we're launching new media initiatives, including a new "Jane Message Movie" titled "My 90th Birthday Wish: VOTE FOR NATURE!”. Simply put, the goal is aimed at mobilizing voters to support candidates who are committed to the preservation of our planet's natural world.
In January 2024, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Dr. Jane Goodall joins Fareed Zakaria on CNN's GPS Program to discuss the critical importance of supporting environmentally conscious candidates in the upcoming elections. See interview.