School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-This program asks, "Can emerging technology defeat global warming?" and then it travels the globe offering positive responses to the question. Modern life is built upon energy consumption, but few people stop to think about the source of that energy. We are dependent upon fossil fuels and their use causes a huge carbon footprint. Scientists and innovators are seeking solutions and alternative fuels. A male narrator visits places across the globe that are already tackling this problem, such as Chinese factories turning out new and improved solar panels and carbon capture facilities in the Sahara Desert. Viewers also learn that scientists are studying ways to harness the ocean waves, burn cleaner coal, and build safer nuclear energy plants. The quick-paced film includes interviews with scientists, government officials, businessman and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, and writer Stewart Brand (author of The Whole Earth Catalogue). Another theme of this program is efficiency: finding ways to conserve and reduce energy use. The message is clear-it will take a full spectrum of ideas and methods to solve our energy problem. Science and environmental studies classes will find this a useful and timely tool, and the ideas presented can be used as research topics.-Patricia Ann Owens, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Mount Carmel (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Library Journal Review
This NOVA episode reminds viewers why we need to replace fossil fuels and briefly surveys cleaner energy sources (and conservation) to use instead. According to NOVA's panel of experts, there are many choices based on current technology. Princeton professor Stephen Pacala's "carbon wedges" concept encourages avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions by diverse means. However, rapidly shifting our energy sources is difficult. The cost of fossil fuels needs to rise to reflect their environmental damage. Some alternatives are shown, including carbon sequestration, solar electric power, biodiesel fuel brewed from switchgrass, building renovation for energy efficiency, modular nuclear reactors, and the reuse of spent nuclear fuel. VERDICT A lively and hopeful view of how we might create a sustainable yet prosperous civilization. [Read more about environmental DVDs in "Viewing the Environment," p. 38.]-David R. Conn, formerly with Surrey Libs., BC (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
