Network Shows

The unmistakable futuristic hum from passing vehicles on the road signals a new era in transportation and mobility. The automotive industry is transforming with new ownership models, cutting-edge connectivity, and innovative advanced electrified powertrains.

But with change, comes questions: why are automakers focusing so much on electrified powertrains? What does this shift, marked by the futuristic hum, really mean for consumers, and is this transformation really necessary?

At the core, it comes down to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. CO2 is essential to life on earth, but too much poses a threat. When in balance, CO2 helps keep planet Earth warm enough to sustain life; however, an imbalance can lead to a much warmer average temperature, which can lead to bringing forward the predicted results of climate change.

To explore these critical topics, a compelling three-part video series, Driving Decarbonization in America, has been produced by Bader Media Group, funded by Toyota. Hosted by Ross Butler with field reporting from Neka Zang and Ariana Cohen, the series immerses viewers in the world of CO2 emissions as it relates to the automotive industry.

Examining what carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses are, the series delves into the relentless drive to reduce or eliminate CO2 from new vehicles. By exploring the various vehicle types, powertrains, and technologies that have shaped – and continue to shape – the industry landscape, viewers are taken on a dynamic journey that spans past, present, and future innovations in sustainable mobility.

Providing a rare glimpse into the automakers’ perspective, the series’ hosts speak with the world’s largest manufacturer, Toyota, providing an in-depth look at their multi-pathway approach to vehicles and technology, alongside other companies dedicated to driving decarbonization.

Water – it’s one of the greatest challenges all nations face today. Though it covers about 71 percent of the earth’s surface, more than 97 percent is found in the ocean, unusable for drinking, growing crops, and most industrial uses. In fact, less than three percent of the world’s water is fresh and, of that, less than 1 percent is available for human consumption.

Globally, families and households consume only a fraction of the available fresh water. Agriculture uses 70 percent while 19 percent goes to industry. Only 11 percent is used by households. With water this scarce, we need to think about the importance of water conservation, maintaining access to safe fresh water for people where it is needed, while also endeavoring not to deepen other water crises we will face in the future.

Toyota has long been a leader in using less water to produce its vehicles, a practice of growing importance especially in water-stressed areas, such as California, Texas, and Mexico.

Dedicated scientists and researchers are determined to help solve these important water access issues.

WATER: We Have Too Much, But Not Enough, zooms in to examine the latest science, learnings and developments undertaken by one of the nation’s largest manufacturers aiming to become carbon neutral in its facilities by 2035.

With encouragement from the Biden Administration and the keen support of new US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, a number of elite U.S. companies have turned to alternative energy sources to power their facilities and operations.

Some large-scale fields of solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbine farms are currently under construction, while some are already commissioned and generating clean, emissions-free electricity either for direct or indirect use for large automotive manufacturing plants.

Initiatives to bring clean energy to production sites are explored in this new 60-minute program, which breaks down how these renewable energy systems work for viewers, including an explanation on how the energy is captured, stored and used inside the plants. It even goes one step further to explain how any excess, unused electricity is fed back to the regional power grid, which can help benefit nearby communities while lowering the carbon footprint of the manufacturing industry.

“The Power of Solar & Wind – The Road to Carbon Neutrality” zooms in to examine the latest science, learnings and developments undertaken by one of the nation’s largest manufacturers aiming to become carbon neutral in its facilities by 2035.

Most known for their winter and spring migrations spanning more than 3,000 miles, the monarch butterfly is a small but key component to the ecosystem in terms of food and its role as a pollinator. “The Flight of the Monarch Butterfly – The Pollinator Project” will explore the latest science, learnings and the species’ survival issues.

With exclusive access arranged by the Mexican Minister of Tourism, the program highlights the monarchs’ dramatic journey throughout North America and examines scientists’ concerns about the species’ diminishing numbers due to pollution and climate fluctuations. It also addresses what the declining population could mean for the future of the broader ecosystem.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our decision making,” said Kevin Butt, Toyota Motor North America’s environmental sustainability director. “As we plan, build and manage our facilities across North America, we proactively learn about local species and study how to minimize the disruption of their natural habitats – environmental stewardship then helps drive a culture of conservation beyond our company walls.”

Presented as one example helping to save, protect and nurture the monarch butterflies migration to North America, the program explores Toyota’s 17 pollinator gardens throughout its North American operations and shows how they provide food and shelter to critical pollinator species.

Powering the Nation – Hydrogen Fuel Cells – the Clean Transportation Alternative looks at the science, learnings and the movement now bringing together states, legislators, automobile manufacturers, and energy companies producing hydrogen that is easily available at hydrogen fueling stations. Many recognize the value of hydrogen fuel technology to be a real alternative.

With the new administration in office, there is a renewed focus on the environment – with that brings the ingenuity and science with many organizations banding together to recognize the value of hydrogen fuel technology as an alternative to not only power vehicles, vans, small and Class-8 highway trucks but also the possibility of being the energy source for buildings, communities, homes and even cities.

“We believe hydrogen fuel cell technology is one way the transportation sector can offer drivers a zero-emission vehicle that meets their needs,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president, Toyota Marketing. “Our portfolio approach, including hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles, helps us put more people in cleaner vehicles across North America and have the greatest near-term impact on total carbon emissions.”

Uniting America: The President’s Final Journey will show never-before-seen footage, and go behind the scenes with the Union Pacific employees who were instrumental in executing the long-planned and first presidential funeral train since Dwight Eisenhower’s in 1969.

“When you are an American company that was created by Abraham Lincoln’s pen, well, patriotism and presidents run deep,” said Scott Moore, Union Pacific senior vice president and chief administrative officer. “We have flags on the sides of our locomotives and nearly 20 percent of our workforce is military veterans. It was our privilege to honor President Bush in a way that gave Americans from all walks of life the opportunity to do the same.”

While millions around the globe watched on television, thousands of people stood for hours waiting to catch just a brief glimpse of the funeral train and pay their last respects. Led by the George Bush 4141 locomotive, the 13-car train made the 2.5 hour, 70-mile journey from Spring to College Station, Texas, where the former president was laid to rest after a final funeral in Houston. This special train served as a tangible connection between the people and their former president.