KIKI GOSHAY
Director Producer Writer
What the name, Empowered, means to me
Before I embarked on the research for this documentary, I was feeling very helpless and overwhelmed by the crisis we face with climate change. The fact that our administration seemed to be fighting those who were creating solutions was soul-crushing. I felt ashamed when we backed out of the Paris Accord. As an activist, I doubled down on my efforts. Many times, it felt futile.
But each of the experts I interviewed (my heroes) made me more hopeful. For the first time, I really felt that we could turn things around if we set clear goals. Immersing myself in the research world at the universities and national labs was exhilarating. The environment of research is one of collaboration with a universal language.
These are some things that I learned that put the wind back in my sails:
There is a lot to celebrate. Brilliant minds have been working on these solutions for decades and thanks to them we have the technology we need to save our planet. We don’t need to use fossil fuels to power our modern lifestyle. Electricity is the key to transforming our energy system -- from one dependent on fossil fuels to one that utilizes renewable and carbon-free energy.
The shift in the electricity sector has effectively become unstoppable. Globally, more renewable energy capacity has been installed than new fossil fuel and nuclear capacity combined, for four years running.
Investment in renewable energy is accelerating. Super Majors like Shell are spending $1-2 billion a year on renewable innovations.
The emphasis is global. To improve the health of the planet, we have to enable all of its people to use renewable energy. These technologies that deliver clean energy are having a profound effect on communities that have been without power.
The U.S. can be proud of the following:
- Our government, through the DOE and DOD, has been investing in fundamental research that is the foundation for the great strides we have made in renewables.
- Our DOD has recognized climate change as a national (and global) threat for decades. The DOD has invested heavily in renewable energy research and in deploying the technology.
- Our Department of Energy has fueled more than fundamental research. ARPA-E and the national laboratories have helped accelerate technology that has been brought to the market.
The changes that are happening in the generation and delivery of energy are empowering the individual. We are no longer just consumers of energy. We can decide how we manage energy and where it comes from. The new paradigm gives us control and freedom. It also enables us to collaborate in the management of energy for the community. We are a vital active part of the new energy system.
“My goal is to celebrate the incredible people whose work is giving us a fighting chance against climate change.”
As an advocate for the environment, health, and children, Kiki Goshay was a founding board member of Cool the Earth, serves on the board of Captain Planet Foundation, is a member of the Women’s Health Council at The Buck Center for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, and is a member of the International Women’s Forum. She became a licensed foster parent in 2012. She produced and directed ‘Not Alone,’ an intimate documentary exploring teens’ struggles with mental illness and suicide. She produced the feature film, 'The Job', directed by Shem Bitterman. She executive produced the documentary, “How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company and Enjoy it.”