Video Resources for Use with the 2008-2009 Freshman Connection Reader
Bracken Library
Ball State University

DVD Video (4611).  Six Degrees Could Change the World.  Bowman, Ron.  Abstract:  Discusses why many scientists believe that the Earth's average temperature could rise by as much as six degrees Celsius by 2100. Explores what each rising degree could mean for the future of humanity and our planet. Illustrates how global warming has already affected the reefs of Australia, the ice fields of Greenland, and the Amazonian rain forest. Explains what's real, what's still controversial, and how existing technologies and remedies could help dial back the global thermometer. (90 min.)

DVD Video (3569).  The Great Warming.  Coshof, Karen. Abstract:  Examines the evidence for global warming, the impact rising temperatures are having on people around the world, and the people and communities who are combating climate change. (82 min.)

DVD Video (2514).  Dimming the Sun.  Copp, Duncan.  Abstract:  While global warming has been heating up the world, recently scientists discovered that the sun has actually been growing dimmer, with less and less sunlight reaching earth's surface. The good news is that, in some regions, pollution controls have slowed and possibly even halted global dimming during the last decade, but the bad news is that without pollution, we will no longer have the cooling effects of global dimming, but may be confronted with the true power of global warming, which may have been seriously underestimated due to the dimming sun. (56 min.)

DVD Video (2558).  Is God Green?   Casciato, Tom.  Abstract:  Discusses the debate between evangelical Christians who believe that it is their duty to do something about environmental problems such as global warming and those who believe that because the end of the world is near, stewardship is unnecessary. (60 min.)

DVD Video (2434).  An Inconvenient Truth: A Global Warning.  Guggenheim, Davis.  Abstract:  Explains the details and science of global warming, presents arguments that the dangers of global warning have reached the level of crisis, addresses the efforts of certain interests to discredit the anti-global warming cause, and exposes the myths and misconceptions that surround the global warming debate. Also presents Gore's personal commitment to the environment, sharing anecdotes from his experiences. Presented principally in the form of a public presentation. (96 min.)

DVD Video (3379).  Global Warming: The Sign and the Science.  Kennard, David.  Abstract:  Profiles people who are living with the grave consequences of a changing climate, as well as the individuals, communities and scientists inventing new approaches to safeguard our children's future. Filmed across the U.S., Asia and South America, this program brings the reality of climate change to life and offers viewers a variety of ways to make a difference in their own communities. (60 min.)

DVD Video (2268).  The State of the Planet.  Weiner, Marilyn.  Abstract:  Investigates some of the most critical environmental and Earth science questions of the 21st century. Examines overpopulation and the impact of today's population growth in relation to available water and food resources, and addresses questions surrounding global warming and its effects on humans and the planet's survival. (55 min.)

DVD Video (2341).  The Day after Tomorrow.  Gordon, Mark.  Abstract:  When global warming triggers the onset of a new Ice Age, tornadoes flatten Los Angeles, a tidal wave engulfs New York City and the entire Northern Hemisphere begins to freeze solid. Now, climatologist Jack Hall, his son Sam, and a small band of survivors must ride out the growing superstorm and stay alive in the face of an enemy more powerful and relentless than anything anyone has ever encountered: Mother Nature. (123 min.)

VIDEO VHS (18443).  Coal: The American Story.  Wilson, Greg.  Abstract:  Explores the strikes, accidents and labor struggles of the 20th century and their effects on labor and management relations, and examines how environmentalists and government research engineers regard global warming and the future role coal will play as an energy source. (55 min.)

VIDEO VHS (18136).  Understanding Oceans.  Duvoisin, Linda.  Abstract:  Attempts to make key concepts of oceanography easy to understand while addressing some of humankind's most pressing concerns, including ocean pollution and global warming. Computer animation, archival news footage, and interviews with Thor Heyerdahl and other experts enhance this overview of ocean science. (50 min.)

VIDEO VHS (16791).  State of the Planet.  Attenborough, David.  Abstract:  Discusses how deforestation, global warming, depletion of aquifers, rising sea levels, and mass extinctions are affecting the Earth and examines how we can compensate for these damaging forces. (3 videocassettes, 150 min.)

VIDEO VHS (17133).  Global Warming: Hot Enough for You?  Endsley, Linda.  Abstract:  Recent scientific studies have confirmed that the average global temperature is rapidly increasing. This video examines the role of human activities in causing this abrupt climate change and looks at the sources of greenhouse gases and how they affect the environment. It also looks at arguments about whether humans can or need to stop global warming. The teachers guide contains reproducible student activities that the students can work on by themselves and additional activities designed for classroom participation and teacher presentation. (18 min)

VIDEO VHS (16167).  Rising Waters: Global Warming and the Fate of the Pacific Islands..  Torrice, Andrea.  Abstract:  Explores some of the consequences of global warming from the perspective of Pacific Islanders. Includes interviews with scientists, and shows the efforts of the islanders to convince the large countries of the world to reduce their burning of fossil fuels. (56 min.)

VIDEO VHS (15826).  Best Stock Shots.  Independent Television News (Great Britain).  Abstract:  Consists of stock footage from ITN/Reuters for use in school newscasts, multimedia projects, and presentations. #1 includes scenes of the Great Wall of China, the Parthenon, industrial pollution and global warming. #2 provides varied footage, including scenes of Cairo, Damascus, the Galapagos Island, and various animals, as well as numerous human activities such as working, swimming, shopping, and getting married. (2 videocassettes, 97 min.)

VIDEO VHS (15834).  Arctic Meltdown, Rising Seas: Threatened Lands, Threatened People.  Southgate, Todd.  Abstract:  Discusses the potentially disastrous effects of global warming and climatic change, particularly for the low-lying Marshall Islands and the Arctic areas of North America. The Marshall Islands, with an average elevation of six feet above sea level, are among the most sensitive environments to long term climate change and rising seas may force the inhabitants to flee their islands. Part of the Arctic region's ice-bound lands may be submerged and already thawing glaciers, changing wildlife populations, and thinning ice over once stable lands, rapidly destabilizing traditional ways of northern Native life. (31 min.)

VIDEO VHS (18191).  Warning from the Ice.  Gardner, Robert.    Abstract:  Examines how scientists are boring deep into the Antarctic ice, and back through the ages, in search of clues to help solve the mystery of rapid climate change before it's too late. (60 min.)

VIDEO VHS (14702).  The Restless Planet.  Lonsdale, Cliff.  Abstract:  Presents a scientific examination of global warming and El Niño and investigates the complexities of predicting and explaining weather. Discusses the role played by weather in Napoleon's defeat and the relationship of El Niño to underwater volcanic activity. Encourages viewers to question the scientific assumptions behind conflicting views on global warming. (52 min.)

VIDEO VHS (17025).  To the Last Drop.  Way, David.  Abstract:   The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater body in the world. This program explains how the U.S. and Canada plan to protect their future water security from a burgeoning population and a warming climate. (60 min.)

VIDEO VHS (SP 9919).  Jessica Tuchman Mathews: The Greenhouse Effect.  Moyers, Bill D.  Abstract:  Jessica Tuchman Mathews discusses the environmental dangers the world faces from global warming and the greenhouse effect. Ms. Mathews focuses on the national security aspects of these dangers in light of the U.S. government's lack of a coherent energy policy and the U.S. automobile industry's reluctance to produce vehicles that are more energy efficient and create less pollution. (28 min.)

VIDEO VHS (13986).  Lester Brown: Assessing our Planet's Health.  Clark, Leslie.  Abstract:  Bill Moyers interviews Lester Brown of Worldwatch on the latest environmental conditions. (30 min.)

VIDEO VHS (SP 9918).  The Greenhouse Effect.  Peck, Bob.  Abstract:   Analyzes the sun's gradual brightening and the relationship between sunlight and CO2; explains why the atmosphere of Mars has too much and Venus too little CO2 to sustain life; theorizes about the disappearance of dinosaurs and dinosaur-friendly life; and explains the relationship between climatic change and continental drift. (26 min.)

VIDEO VHS (SP 8705).  Two Futures.  Coburn, David.  Abstract:  Through the use of a time pool, Captain Planet and the Planeteers stop Hoggish Greedly and Dr. Blight from profiting from their attempts to stimulate global warming. (45 min.)

VIDEO VHS (SP 5905).  Global Warming and the Environment, Forecast Disaster?  Zell, Martin.  Abstract:  Discusses the need for international co-operation in reaching solutions to environmental problems, especially global warming. Discusses how third world countries pose a serious challenge to these international efforts, and proposes imposing a gasoline tax for the biggest and most immediate short-term effectual solution. (25 min.)

VIDEO VHS (SP 1420).  Danger Ahead: Is There No Way Out?  Seban, Jean-Marc.  Abstract:  Suggests some less drastic solutions to the global warming: reducing CO2 emissions; using the sun and the wind as energy sources; using nuclear power; reducing energy usage; curbing or stopping the use of CFCs; preserving the rain forest. While individuals may be able to adapt to climatic change, societies cannot. (26 min.)

VIDEO VHS (SP 1421).  Global Warming.  Redhead, Mark.  Abstract:  Shows the effect of rising temperatures on earth, with its foreseeably disastrous consequences. (26 min.)

VIDEO VHS (SP 4683-4684).  After the Warming.  Burke, James.  Abstract:  Social journalist James Burke presents several possible scenarios caused by the greenhouse effect during the 1990s to 2050. (2 videocassettes, 55 min. each)

VIDEO VHS  (SP 3992).  Race to Save the Planet.  WGBH  (Television station: Boston, Mass).  Abstract:  Shows ways that the physical environment of the Earth is being changed by man and suggests actions to preserve it. (10 videocassettes, 60 min. each)

VIDEO VHS (SP 6114).  Crisis  in the  Atmosphere.  Friedburg, Lionel.  Abstract:  Describes what effect global warming will have on climate, and ultimately, the quality of life we can expect. (60 min.)

VIDEO VHS (SP 2909).  Hot Enough for You?  Ceresole, Peter.  Abstract:  Presents a study of the greenhouse effect on planet earth caused by the increase of the carbon dioxide (CO2) level due to the burning of fossil fuels (18 billion tons CO2 yearly) as well as other gases like nitrogen oxide, methane and chlorofluorocarbons. Scientists explore the effects of these gases on ozone layer, climatic changes (cloud formation, rainfall, desertification, coastal level) as well as plant life. (60 min.)

VIDEO VHS (12693).  Is the Weather Changing?  Passaggio, Dennis.  Abstract:  Discusses the importance of correlating patterns of human behavior with ecological survival and scientific findings which suggest that radical changes in climatic conditions may be the results of human activity. (17 min.)