Videos
Watch "A Better Next Big Thing" on PBS KVCR
New documentary based on Charging Forward premieres April 10, 2025
Renowned filmmaker Jacob Kornbluth brings to life a compelling new documentary inspired by the book Charging Forward.
Featuring appearances from co-authors Chris Benner and Manuel Pastor, this thought-provoking film looks at the world’s largest and cleanest lithium supply in California’s Salton Sea region.
As the global economy transitions to renewable energy, the documentary asks: Can this rural, underserved community rewrite the rules of economic opportunity and ensure the green energy revolution works for everyone?
Don’t miss the premiere of A BETTER NEXT BIG THING on PBS Riverside/KVCR on April 10th. Tune in to explore how one community’s story could shape a more equitable and sustainable future.
A trailer for A Better Next Big Thing
Watch the trailer for A Better Next Big Thing
University of California
Lithium Valley: Opportunities for Batteries, Jobs, and Equitable Development
The UC Student and Policy Center hosted a Charging Forward book talk on February 19, 2025 in Sacramento with Chris Benner and Manuel Pastor, moderated by Blanca Begert, Climate Reporter at POLITICO.
CSPAN Book TV
Charging Forward - Lithium Valley, Electric Vehicles and a Just Future
Professors Chris Benner and Manuel Pastor discussed the discovery of lithium in California's Salton Sea region and the role of the mineral in the electric vehicle industry. The Commonwealth Club of California in San Francisco hosted this event in October 2024.