Austin’s innovative SXSW spirit went all the way to the White House last week for SXSLawn, an event inspired by our very own famous festival. Earlier this year, President Obama spoke at SXSW here in Austin and was so inspired by what he saw that he decided to get DC involved. The event brought together creators, innovators, and organizers who work hard everyday to improve the lives of their fellow Americans and people around the world.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler spoke at the event, and was joined by about a dozen additional Austin representatives. One of the key components of the festival was a panel discussion on climate change with Obama, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Katharine Hayhoe (a local climate scientists out of Texas Tech University). Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was on the panel to announce the release of his new National Geographic documentary, “Before the Flood,” about the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change. The movie premiered at SXSLawn.
“The scientific consensus is in and the argument is now over,” DiCaprio said. “If you do not believe in climate change, you do not believe in facts, or in science, or empirical truths, and therefore in my humble opinion, should not be allowed to hold public office.”
You can watch their entire conversation here>>
A visitor stands in front of the logo during the South by South Lawn event on the South Lawn of the White House, Oct. 3, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
