Planet Green
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On May 4, 2007, a tornado estimated to be 1.7 miles wide brought 205 mph wind gusts through the town of Greensburg, Kansas. The tornado ripped through town, destroying many homes and buildings, then left. The survivors had no choice but to rebuild their town but they made the choice to remake their community as an eco-friendly model that has garnered the respect of the nation.
Just over a year later, on May 12, 2008, an earthquake shook Sichuan province in China. The quake, which was measured as and 8.0 magnitude, killed more than 69,000 people and left 4.8 million homeless. People were displaced, families separated, the community shattered. Clearly, the region needed help rebuilding.
We witnessed the citizens of Greensburg begin rebuilding their town and lives in Season one and how Steve Hewitt and other visionaries helped implement sustainable design and green building practices along the way. This experience, the United States Treasury Department recognized, would be a huge asset to the people and recovery workers in Sichuan, China.
This is why Steve Hewitt was sent to China to establish a EcoPartnership with Mianzhu, a small town outside of Chengdu, the provincial capital. The two towns will work together to rebuild green, sharing experiences and lessons along the way. As Bob Dixon explained:
Two countries, two nationalities that at some times have been diametrically opposed to each other are coming together in a common cause of equal partnerships because we know we have to take care of our planet.
It's just one more way Greensburg is, as President Barack Obama said, a "global example of how clean energy can power an entire community."
Catch more of Greensburg's trip to China in Greensburg Season 2, Episode 2: Greensburg Goes to China.
Read more about China:
Focus on Focus Earth: China Climate Talks
Green City Guide: Beijing
China Banned Plastic Bags—We Can Too!
Bring Your Own Chopsticks
China Considers Putting a Lid on CO2—Well, Sort Of
China Reveals Plans for Green-Colored "Suburb City"
