Tozier+Film+Annotation1

9/01/15 Ryan Tozier Kim Fortun

Rural communities that are hesitant to implement renewable energy change. Determined through the people chosen for interviews and type of information provided. The people were all from rural areas and the narrator calls Kanas the heartland of America. The rest of the world is working towards energy independence much more so the USA, and when the benefits will be for noticeable, it does not make sense to be left behind. This documentary seems to me to attempting to gather support for renewable energy in rural communities made up of a patriotic elderly community by attempting to play up the renewable energy like the cold war style space race. It does this by showing the advancements and enthusiasm of similar communities in other countries for renewable energy. They use the example that Brazil first country to implement ethanol and gas fuel hybrid engines, even though they was first created in US to attempt spike a patriotic flame of competition. In their final country comparison the narrator talks about the efforts being made in China, our current superpower rival, and he talks about how China has a plan and will be ready for the future. It warns that if the rest of the world becomes as bad as the US the state of their audience’s lives would be greatly diminished so that they can see a direct impact on their lives. To strengthen their argument by making personal the film shows how legislation in your area like “Not in my Back Yard” stops renewable energy progress and gives people productive organizations that they can join to help.
 * Powering the Planet **
 * Audience **
 * Argument **

Assuming that the intended audience remained the same there should have been more focus on what rural communities in their own lives could do to reduce their carbon footprints. The film only showed how to take action through large-scale renewable sources like wind turbines and legislation change, but glossed over the even smaller things that people can do to reduce their carbon footprint without a huge commitment through either time or money.
 * What would have increased the educational value? **

Using this films idea of competition as a motivator I would make an informative board game; if on the class level it would have clear rewards, but more likely with small groups for bragging rights.
 * What ideas does it give you for educating kids about energy, pollution and climate change? **

Understanding of the different communities needs and political views.
 * What addition to the literacy goal comes to mind? **


 * Powering the top of the World **

Foreign investors who have yet to recognize Nepal’s hydroelectric potential
 * Audience **

This country with vast renewable potential should be helped through funding of environmental programs because very few in the country have reliable access to electricity and should they begin to produce enough there are large consumers in both India and China at Nepal’s borders. The make this argument by explaining Nepal’s commitment to clean energy through their use of electric vehicles before they became popular in the west. People have electric lines over their house but no access forcing them to use archaic and more expensive lighting methods, or to resort to jury-rigging their own connects to the power lines, which can be very dangerous. In addition to this the Nepal government is riddled with corruption which gives away much of what little electricity they do produce in the limited hydroelectric power facilities. Hydroelectric power is ideal because it can be done in a way that has minimal impact on ecosystems.
 * Argument **

Give specific information on the untapped potential in terms of power generated based on available resources. More information on Nepal’s government and corruption or decision making. At the beginning of the film the there is talk about Nepal’s ability to produce electricity through solar and wind as well as hydroelectric, but solar is only mentioned as something that can be done small scale and wind barely even touched upon. It would have been better if the audience understood the real potential of other renewables within Nepal. Greater explanation into the meaning of load shedding
 * Addition information **

I would block off all the light in the room and turn on one small light to give perspective on the limited availability of electricity, while lecturing about the want for better access to clean energy.
 * Educational ** ** ideas **

Understanding of the political situations that have thus far limited renewable development.
 * Additions to EcoEd **


 * THE FUTURE OF ENERGY **

College students
 * Audience **

We can and should choose to work towards 100% renewable energy and 0 carbon emissions as part of the next generation. The filmmakers attempt to persuade using information to show how climate change affects one’s health. They also show that we affect the large scale as well because we are fundamentally affecting nature as seen through a 40% decrease in phytoplankton, whichare responsible for producing half the oxygen we breathe. The film tries to persuade you into taking action by showing that it can be done by highlighting success stories around the world. Many places around the world 100% green energy. If we made changes in the USA technologies have advanced enough that we can do it cost effectively while increasing the standard of living. They call it the third revolution. They go on to say that natural gas and nuclear aren’t feasible long term renewable energy sources because of the dangers they pose and the waste they create. The shift to renewables will create millions of new jobs. Many of those jobs will be retrofitting existing buildings so there are different organizations that help teach the skills needed to install the equipment, often through volunteering. Making the full switch makes business sense electric calls require very little maintenance and is easy to use. In addition, through all the saving solar panels can be paid off in as little as 4 years We don’t really have much time left before we hit the maximum gigatons we are allowed for the 2 degree shift so everyone needs to start contributing as soon as possible so our children can live in peace.
 * Argument **

What is the carbon footprint of the electric car and solar panels that are claimed to make one man’s house carbon neutral?
 * Additional Information **

As is suggested in the movie teach kids by showing kids what it takes to turn on a light bulb, but instead of a light bulb use an electric car.
 * Educational Ideas **

Understanding that the creation of renewable power sources themselves have carbon costs
 * Additions to EcoEd **

The Future of Energy: Lateral Power to the People. Dir. Brett Mazurek. Indiegogo.com, 2013. Planetary Advocates. Web. Powering the Planet. Dir. Geoff Haines-Stiles and Erna Akuginow. Perf. Richard Alley. PBS, 22 Apr. 2012. Web. Powering the Top of the World. Dir. Chris Emmott and Christoph Mazur. Imperial College London, 21 Nov. 2014. Web.
 * References **