Energy+Crossroads-+Pringle

1. Title, director and release year? Energy Crossroads, Chris Fauchere, Tiroir A Films Production 2007

2. What is the central argument or narrative of the film? The film argues that current global economies are dependent on Earth’s resources, particularly the resource of crude oil. The lack of sustainability in our economy will have harsh consequences if action is not taken. This will prove difficult because cheap energy is viewed as a given right in the United States. Perhaps, what has made America great in the last century may eventually lead to the demise of the country if action is not taken.

3. What sustainability problems does the film draw out? The film draws upon the sustainable use of energy in the United States. The amount of trash that is entering landfills requires energy-intensive processes to recycle and is not a practical method. Americans have developed an altered view of the world’s resources, through behavior that would only be acceptable in a world with infinite resources. Behavior such as smash derby races where cars are wrecked for entertainment, demonstrates American’s wasteful habits. The US recognized its dependence of oil as a problem 30 years ago, yet relatively no action has been taken to reduce the dependency. Extreme weather patterns hitting the US could be factors that push the country into a collapsed economy. Americans’ use of energy creates green house gases increasing global warming.

4. What parts of the film did you find most persuasive and compelling? Why? I found it very interesting that samples of ice can be taken from the Arctic that are miles deep and from that, find the levels of greenhouse gases from centuries ago. This is possible because the ice traps air bubbles containing the composition of the atmosphere at a particular time in history. Additionally, a very compelling fact is that the rise of the oceans will affect about half of the United States’ population alone. Places like Greenland and West Antarctica will be major contributors to rising levels when the glaciers melt. Thousands of years ago, sea levels were 20 feet higher than today and these levels are projected to return. In 2004, Americans passed the first energy initiative trying to achieve 10 percent of natural renewable energy sources. They integrated a speed light rail system across many cities to reduce emissions.

5. What parts of the film were you not compelled or convinced by? The fact that the internal combustion engines we use now are no more efficient than model T Henry Ford. This statement seems a little outdated and generalized I find it hard to believe.

6. What additional information does this film compel you to seek out? Where do you want to dig deeper and what connections do you want to make with other issues, factors, problems, etc.? It would be interesting to learn about wars and conflicts that have occurred strictly over natural resources, especially modern conflicts. Perhaps it is possible that the 21st century is turning towards a string of disputes for resources.

7. What audiences does the film best address? What kind of imagination is fostered in viewers? Do you think the film is likely to change the way viewers think about and act on environmental problems? The film addresses an audience who has little knowledge of current sustainability problems, as the film dives into basic problems seen in society today. With the use of statistics it is possible the viewers will think differently of the current energy consumption path we are on.

8. What kinds of action or points of intervention are suggested by the film? First, the film suggests that by changing efficiency of engines and materials for cars, the gas consumption of the average vehicle will be reduced by 2/3. Also, the implication of electric engines can offer great advantages for short distance trips. Next, the film proposes the use of wind energy, which accounts for 1 percent of current energy from the United States. The US is ideal for the wind energy market and has the potential to provide at least 5 percent of its energy. Wind is being used to produce hydrogen through the process of hydrolysis. Additionally, solar power is an alternative solution for energy production. The third generation of photo cells are made using nanotechnology which gives a wider range of application in paints, plastics, and metals giving our homes the opportunity to increase their sustainability. Another point of suggestion is that green urban development can be energy efficient while also offering a healthier community. The film argues that 90 percent of energy usage can be diverted simply by separating trash into three different trash cans. Finally, the transportation, gas, and electricity sectors offer a point of intervention in that they need to be more efficient, at a cost that does not force the consumer to choose between the price and a sustainable product. Most of these products, however, will be beneficial in the long run as they can eventually “pay off” themselves, such as by using energy-efficient light bulbs. The New Belgium brewery was a great example of how a company should act in a responsible manner especially considering the effects of their company on the environment. Not only do we need to develop our alternatives we also have to focus on a political infrastructure to push these sustainable products out to the public to make a real impact on our dilemma.

9. What could have been added to this film to enhance its environmental educational value? If they were able to quantify how much energy each solution can output it would have gave the viewer more opportunity to grasp the amount of energy on a tangible object such as amount energy windmill or solar panel can produce relative to amount of lbs of carbon we will save.