POLAND: SHOWING OF AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH AND HIGHLIGHTING

UNCLAS WARSAW 000372 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/NCE, EUR/ERA, EUR/PGI, OES/GC, OES/STC, OES/ENV, OES/PCI, G, EB/ESC, EUR/PPD EUR/NCE FOR DKOSTELANCIK AND BPUTNEY WHITE HOUSE FOR CEQ DAVE BANKS DEPT PASS USTR FOR WMOORE COMMERCE FOR 4232/ITA/MAC/EUR/JBURGESS, JKIMBALL, MWILSON DOE FOR LEKIMOFF, MGINSBERG, GKERESTES EPA FOR APHILLIPS, KBUCKLEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON SENV EINV ETRD PL SUBJECT: POLAND: SHOWING OF AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH AND HIGHLIGHTING USG CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY REF: A) STATE 07435 B) STATE 13858 C) 06 WARSAW 2395 ¶1. (U) SUMMARY. Post co-sponsored the Polish premiere of Al Gore's movie on global warming, "An Inconvenient Truth," and used the occasion to articulate U.S. policy on climate change and to highlight USG efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The screening, at an environmental and clean energy trade fair February 13, enabled post to reach an eager audience of nearly 200 environmentally conscious Poles, while delivering an important message of USG concern for the environment and involvement in addressing the issue. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) Due to PAS's film distributor contacts waiving screening fees for the film prior to its public release in Poland, post was able to support the Polish premiere of "An Inconvenient Truth." The concept of collaborating on this project was spawned at a reception hosted by Charge iho CEQ Chairman Connaughton during his visit to Poland last October. Organizers of the fair attended the reception and raised the idea with PAS officers as a possible area for cooperation; this project is a direct result of engagement in public diplomacy associated with CEQ's itinerary to Poland. ¶3. (U) Econoff introduced the film to approximately 175 ENEX fair attendees, while also speaking about USG efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. Econoff relied heavily on reftels and various resources recently sent via PD channels in crafting remarks. Remarks were well received, as was the film. Audience members were extremely thankful for the opportunity to see the film and were eager to engage in discussions on how Poland can do more to combat global warming. Audience members seemed pleasantly surprised to learn of USG efforts and gave thought to how Poland may be able to adapt similar measures, particularly in regard to consumer choices, i.e. energy efficient improvements to homes, and lower emissions vehicles. ¶4. (U) The ENEX Environmental and Clean Energy Trade Fair was held in Kielce, Poland February 12-14. With over 120 businesses represented and over 4000 attendees, ENEX is aiming to grow into the largest fair of its kind in Poland. However, there was a noticeable absence of American companies. Fair organizers are hoping to work with post to encourage U.S. companies to attend the fair next year. Ideally, fair organizers would like to highlight U.S. clean energy technologies through an "American Day" at next year's trade fair. Econoff will work with post's Foreign Commercial Service to explore such possibilities. ASHE