Environmental Science

A history and explanation of the history of acid rain and the dangers posed by industrial carbon and sulfur emanations that interact with airborne moisture to produce acid rain. The program provides chemical definitions, illustrates geological and meteorological interactions, and traces the sources of acid precipitation. It also demonstrates ecological concepts, and suggests possible solutions. (20 minutes)

This video explains the problem and its possible solutions through a compelling futuristic drama reminiscent of Hollywood science fiction and packed with solid scientific information. Viewers meet a time traveler from the eco-distressed distant future who returns to the present to find out what went wrong. Through her work with a young scientist, viewers learn how species invasions occur, about their impact and control, and how citizens at the local level can make a difference. A terrific aid for science teachers who want to bring this important and timely topic into the classroom. The accompanying study guide includes review questions, suggested activities, bibliographic and Internet resources, and vocabulary lists. One 30-minute video and guide. (C) 1998.

After direct habitat destruction, nonnative species introduced by humans to new areas pose the largest threat to global biodiversity. This program looks at how scientists and conservationists are coping with a number of these critical situations, such as on Seychelles, where rats have caused 200 years of devastation; on Scotland's Outer Hebrides, where hedgehogs were released to control garden slugs; and in New York City, where Asian longhorn beetles threaten not only Central Park but the forests of the entire east coast. Also examined are the political and economic difficulties of these species invasions when tensions arise between the interests of environmental protection and increasing trade. (25 minutes)

This program demonstrates how wind turbines, solar cells, hybrid automobiles, and coal gasification plants are beginning to transform the way the world is powered. The U.S. Secretary of Energy, the director of the National Wind Technology Center, the CEO of Enron Wind Corporation, representatives of Worldwatch Institute and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and others discuss the challenge of satisfying the rapidly increasing global demand for energy while developing environmentally friendly forms of power generation to reduce air pollution and lessen the threat of global warming. (22 minutes)

A waterway of ethereal beauty and vast commercial utility, the Hudson River has been both a precious medium for communing with nature and a convenient sewer for industrial waste. Over the course of this captivating two-part series, Bill Moyers explores the dramatic history, complex ecology, profound natural beauty, and far-reaching legacy of the Hudson, a powerful symbol of the nation's conflict between its deep love of nature and its relentless desire for development. Archival film, photos, paintings, engravings, journal entries, book excerpts, and breathtaking location footage illustrate the many faces of the Hudson while historians, environmentalists, and others explain how colliding agendas have combined to shape the story of America's first river. 2-part series, 2 hours each.

Ranging from rivers and lakes, to wetlands and intertidal zones, to coral reefs and kelp forests, aquatic ecosystems are as diverse as the life-forms that inhabit them. This program introduces students to a variety of the world's aquatic biomes. The characteristics of saltwater and freshwater environments are clearly described, as are the plants and animals that call these watery regions home. The importance of evolution and adaptation for aquatic species is emphasized. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. A Cambridge Educational Production. (19 minutes)

Canal systems, ballast water from oceangoing ships, and seemingly little things such as fish stocking, bait bucket emptying, and trailering recreational boats all provide ways for non-native invasive species to infest North America's aquatic environments. Using the Great Lakes-unwilling home to the sea lamprey, zebra mussel, round goby, and Eurasian ruffe-as a case study, this program takes a close look at the threats posed by aquatic nuisance species and how scientists, policymakers, and the public are working to prevent the further spread of these devastating invaders. San Francisco Bay, with its Chinese mitten crab problem, is also touched upon. (28 minutes)

In Libby, Montana, vermiculite mining was big business...until its chief by-product, tremolite asbestos, was implicated in the town's abnormally high level of respiratory disease. This two-part ABC News series starts in Libby-an environmental disaster zone more deadly than Love Canal or Woburn-and then follows the trail of tainted Libby vermiculite to homes throughout America. 2-part series, 21 minutes each.

For nearly a hundred years, asbestos fibers were woven into the very fabric of commercial and residential life in North America and Europe-despite an industry awareness that asbestos dust is extremely dangerous. This program featuring Geoffrey Tweedale, author of Magic Mineral to Killer Dust, and environmental consultant Barry Castleman illuminates the dark history of flame-retardant asbestos: asbestosis fatalities, efforts by the asbestos industry to deflect criticism of its products, the scientific correlation of mesothelioma to asbestos exposure, and belated governmental regulation. Also, today's growing market for asbestos in developing countries is exposed. (29 minutes)

Freon was a refrigeration breakthrough in 1928. It took 45 years for scientists to recognize its dangers, and another 15 for the international community to enact a worldwide ban on all CFC gases. This program illustrates that long process of problem-solving and political action, focusing on the work of Nobel-winning chemists F. Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina and how their discoveries led to the 1989 Montreal Protocol-which may well have prevented catastrophic depletion of the ozone layer. Interviews with Rowland, climatologist Robert Watson, and EPA official Stephen Anderson illuminate one of the most important environmental sagas of the last century. (30 minutes)

According to many scientists, global warming is irreversible-but its progress can be slowed, its impact managed. This program examines strategies, many of them in operation, designed to protect land and populations made vulnerable by rapidly rising worldwide temperatures. From life-saving weather forecast methods in Mozambique to fishery replenishment systems in Vietnam, a range of innovations are studied-but the focus is not only on the developing world. Detailing struggles against drought and violent climate in the United States, Australia, and the Netherlands, Be Prepared clearly shows that global warming recognizes no national boundaries. Original title: The Heat Is On: Better Be Prepared. (51 minutes)

Filmed in collaboration with the World Resources Institute, this Bill Moyers program assesses the state of the environment. Combining interviews with leading scientists and reports from Mongolia, British Columbia, Brazil, South Africa, and the state of Kansas, Moyers and his team of award-winning producers explore the impact that human activities have had on the planet while posing an urgent question: What is happening to Earth's capacity to support nature and civilization? Computer graphics enhance this gripping documentary. (2 hours)

This engaging five-part series encourages students to move beyond a simplified view of the environment to a deeper level of understanding: that the global ecosystem is made up of interdependent ecological communities populated with their own particular life-forms and vulnerable to damage by both natural forces and human activity. Viewable/printable instructor's guides are available online. A Cambridge Educational Production. Correlates to the National Science Education Standards developed by the National Academies of Science, Project 2061 Benchmarks for Science Literacy from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Geography Standards from the National Geographic Society. 5-part series, 17-22 minutes each.

As fossil fuels near depletion, nuclear fusion promises unlimited power supplies. This program looks at recent developments in the quest to turn the mechanism of the sun into a viable energy source. The program chronicles the efforts of Alan Sykes and his team working on START, the first spherical Tokamak, at the Culham Research Facility in England. Dr. Martin Peng, who first conceived of a compact, spherical plasma reactor, is also interviewed and discusses the American offshoot of the START project, the National Spherical Tokamak Experiment. (30 minutes)

After addressing terms and concepts essential to an understanding of brownfields, this program turns to author Storm Cunningham and Robert Colangelo, executive director of the National Brownfields Association, for historical background on the problem. In addition, nationally recognized experts Charles Bartsch and Ira Whitman discuss legislation that led to the Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002, and City of Phoenix brownfields coordinator Rosanne Sanchez talks about her work with community leaders, state officials, and private developers. Produced by John W. Sutherlin, Ph.D. (32 minutes)