The Weather Channel Celebrates Earth Day With Original Programming

The Weather Channel Celebrates Earth Day With Original Programming

Specials To Focus On Effects of Global Warming

ATLANTA, April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- In observance of Earth Day, The Weather Channel will air two original programs, featuring meteorologist and climate expert Dr. Heidi Cullen, which will take a look at the effects of global warming and the weather disasters it may cause.

Silent Killer focuses on the events of the summer of 1995 in Chicago when more than 700 deaths in the Windy City were attributed to the heat, which causes more weather-related deaths than any other natural disaster. The show examines the role global warming plays in the rising temperatures in big cities like Chicago, but also offers viewers useful tips on how to protect themselves during sweltering summers. Silent Killer premieres on Friday, April 22 (7:00-7:30 PM ET/PT) and will re air on Saturday, April 23 at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM ET/PT.

In the last 100 years, global temperatures have risen by one degree Fahrenheit on average, but temperatures have risen by 3 degrees in Alaska, and the impacts are profound. Some models predict that Arctic sea ice will disappear completely in the next 100 years. Other experts predict that whole villages may be devoured by the sea as the ground itself melts away, and new pests may destroy the magnificent forests that symbolize Alaska. Alaska Meltdown, airs Friday, April 22 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT) and looks at the effects of global warming on Alaska. The show encore again on Saturday, April 23 at 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM ET/PT.

In addition, Dr. Heidi Cullen will be featured in short vignettes airing throughout the day on Friday, April 22. The segments will include a look at the history of Earth Day; an interview with Chuck Leavell of The Rolling Stones, an active environmentalist who, along with his team, is trying to break the Guinness World Record by planting the most trees in one hour during a nationwide tree planting event; and some live shots from San Diego's Earth Day event.

BACKGROUND About The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel, a 24-hour weather network, is seen in over 88 million U.S. households. Its Web site, http://www.weather.com/ , reaches more than 25 million unique users per month. Its content is currently ranked the 11th most popular in the U.S. by Nielsen//NetRatings. The Weather Channel also operates Weatherscan, a 24-hour, all-local weather network distributed to almost 7 million households, The Weather Channel Radio Network, The Weather Channel Newspaper Services and is the leading weather information provider for emerging technologies. This includes broadband and interactive television applications, with wireless weather products accessible through high-speed Internet services, phones, pagers, Palm Pilots, and other personal digital assistants. The Weather Channel is owned by Landmark Communications, Inc., a Norfolk, VA-based, privately held media company.

Source: The Weather Channel

CONTACT: Matt Boyter, +1-770-226-2191, mboyter@weather.com, or Kathy Lane, +1-770-226-2102, klane@weather.com, both for The Weather Channel

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

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