The Conversation: 'Carbon Nation'

Feb. 11, 2011— -- Is it possible to separate politics from the divisive issue of global warming?

That's the ambitious goal of filmmaker Peter Byck, a self-described liberal who says that support for green policies shouldn't depend on whether you believe in climate change.

In his new film, "Carbon Nation," Byck spells out a common ground -- that smarter green strategy can save money and give the world cleaner air and water, in addition to addressing global warming. The film will be shown at screenings throughout the country and released in May on DVD.

"Quickly on, we learned we don't need to blame, we don't need to shame, we just need to move forward," said Byck. "Let's just stick with the solutions."

The film profiles some unusual leaders in the green revolution, folks backing everything from wind energy to geothermal power but who don't necessarily buy the premise of man-made global warming. The film also includes interviews with luminaries from to business icon Richard Branson to former CIA Director James Woolsey.

Byck began the project four years ago with a goal of convincing an uncle who's skeptical of climate change that green tech has plenty of other merits.

"I almost think we've had more enthusiasm from the right and from people who are conservative... because I feel like there's a lot of people who understand that waste is bad," Byck said. "They're just not on board with climate change, but when we present the film this way, it's something they can actually agree with."

Byck spoke to ABC's Jeremy Hubbard for today's Conversation about his new film. We hope you'll watch for more.

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