DCL/Steven St. John
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On May 4, 2007, a deadly tornado struck Greensburg, Kansas, ripping the town to shreds. Ninety-five percent of the town was destroyed, eleven lives were tragically lost, and survivors were left without homes, businesses, schools and basic city services. Greensburg was gone, and it seemed that all was lost for its residents.
From the rubble, however, came a resilient and courageous call from the people of Greensburg to not only rebuild their community, but also to send a bold message to the rest of the nation. Greensburg committed to building smarter and better, determined to make their town a model for the future of cities of all sizes throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world. They decided to rebuild Greensburg as a model green community.
In an extraordinary 13-part series co-produced by acclaimed actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio and award-winning producer Craig Piligian, viewers will meet the people of this amazing town, seeing the daily struggle of a community as it fights its way back from the edge of extinction and learning how the lives and livelihood of Greensburg's citizens will be changed by this massive reconstruction effort.
Struggles abound as the city government strives to build the greenest buildings in the entire country, and citizens endeavor to remain patient as they live in FEMA town trailers, the temporary residences for many citizens, and prepare to rebuild their homes using green technologies.
Still, the spirit of the citizens of Greensburg are what make the journey most inspirational, as they are ordinary, everyday people of great character who choose to face adversity head on and create a better life for themselves and their children. The dependable-yet-futurist city planner, the "good old boy" mayor, and a bright high school senior all share a deep connection to the city, both past and future.
Greensburg's story is both poignant and universal. The imagination and innovation demonstrated in Greensburg inspires and enlightens audiences, showing that when individuals, companies and communities respect and harness nature, the results are a dramatic improvement in our social, economic and environmental living conditions.
The rebuilding of Greensburg presents a historic opportunity. One rural town on the plains of Kansas vividly demonstrates that sustainable, eco-friendly building is an imperative path to the future. This story of survival and recovery is important, not only to the people of Greensburg, but also to the rest of the world.
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