The Weather Channel(R) Launches One Degree; Broadband Site Dedicated to Global Warming

The Weather Channel(R) Launches One Degree; Broadband Site Dedicated to Global Warming

Web Destination Provides In-Depth Exploration and Dialogue Surrounding the Impact of Climate Change; Company Releases Inaugural Survey Results on Global Warming

ATLANTA, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Weather Channel Interactive (TWCI) today announced the launch its first broadband channel, One Degree, http://www.weather.com/onedegree, which focuses on creating a national dialogue around and humanizing the impact of global climate change, which is commonly referred to as global warming. The channel's name is a reference to the one degree of warming that has occurred in the last century and the fact that what seems small -- just one degree -- can make a big difference in the climate and in people's lives.

Climate change is a topic on the minds of most Americans, as evidenced by a September 2006 climate change survey, commissioned by The Weather Channel to mark the launch of One Degree. Survey results indicate that 85% of Americans are aware of and have an opinion surrounding global warming and random weather cycles. 44% of those surveyed attribute 2006 summer record temperatures to global warming; while 41% believe the heat was a result of a random weather cycle. The statistical dead heat supports the importance of One Degree, a dedicated source for accessible information and discussion surrounding climate change.

One Degree is a video-centric, interactive web experience presenting both general information and bringing into focus how climate change is affecting people's daily lives. One Degree is a part of an overall initiative at The Weather Channel called Climate Watch, which also includes The Climate Code with Dr. Heidi Cullen, a new weekly program airing Sundays at 5pm.

One Degree Features Rich Content and Deep Expertise

Constantly updated with new content, One Degree is designed to present the issues and open a dialogue around a wide range of climate-related topics with and amongst climate experts, consumers, guest bloggers and experts from The Weather Channel. Of note, One Degree will feature Dr. Heidi Cullen, renowned climatologist, providing reports about environment-related topics.

"As a trusted resource for scientific data and a mainstream media outlet, we're uniquely positioned to become a bank for climate change information and expert commentary," explains Dr. Cullen.

One Degree video content will be a mix of original content developed exclusively for the site and content from The Weather Channel network. Initial original video programming focuses on the 7-year-long Nebraska drought and its impact on the rest of America. Future features will be dedicated to looking closely at the confusion surrounding climate change and what some in the US are doing to attack the problem.

One Degree will also feature regular guest bloggers who are involved in global climate change research, as well as those that are responding to global warming challenges.

At launch, perspectives will be found from influential scientists, authors and educators such as Michael E. Mann, Associate Professor, Director, Earth System Science Center; Dr. Caspar M. Ammann, National Center for Atmospheric Research; Spencer Weart, author of The Discovery of Global Warming; Charles Wohlforth, author of The Whale and the Supercomputer and Dr. C. Ronald Carroll, Professor, Institute of Ecology and Co-Director, River Basin Science and Policy Center, University of Georgia.

One Degree Enables Dialogue Surrounding Climate Change and Green Issues

The interactivity and community aspects of the broadband channel will enable users to educate themselves and participate in the climate change debate. "One Degree will be a place where the average person can take a look at the impact climate change is having on our planet and individual's lives," said Matthew de Ganon, vice president broadband and consumer applications. "Along with telling these stories through our video content, we can also allow the nation to have a meaningful, accessible exchange of information, ideas and opinions relating to this very important topic."

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: The Weather Channel

CONTACT: David Blumenthal of The Weather Channel, +1-770-226-2611, or
dblumenthal@weather.com; or Dana Mark for The Weather Channel,
+1-404-214-0722 X113, or dmark@trevelinokeller.com

Web site: http://www.weather.com/onedegree
http://www.weather.com/

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