Independent Lens Season 14 Episode 12 The Island President

The Island President is the twelfth episode of season 14 of the documentary series Independent Lens. The episode chronicles the efforts of President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, to bring global attention to the issue of climate change and the threat it poses to his country's survival.

The Maldives is one of the countries most at risk from rising sea levels caused by global warming, with the majority of its land area lying less than 1.5 meters above sea level. In the face of this existential threat, President Nasheed embarked on a campaign to raise awareness of the issue among world leaders and international organizations.

The episode follows President Nasheed as he travels to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in 2009, where he delivers a passionate speech calling for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent catastrophic climate change. Despite his efforts, the conference failed to produce a binding agreement on emissions reduction, leaving many in the Maldives feeling disillusioned and frustrated.

Undeterred, President Nasheed continued to press the issue in the years that followed, attending subsequent climate conferences and speaking out against the fossil fuel industry. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including political opposition at home and hostility from powerful countries like China and the United States, he remains committed to the fight against climate change.

The episode also offers a glimpse into the life of President Nasheed outside of his political work, showing him spending time with his family and reflecting on his personal journey from political prisoner to head of state. Through interviews with his supporters and colleagues, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges he faces and the impact he has had on the Maldives and the wider world.

Overall, The Island President is a powerful and compelling portrait of a courageous leader fighting for the survival of his nation and the planet as a whole. It offers a timely reminder of the urgent need to take action on climate change before it is too late.