Educational Media Reviews Online

Velocity takes a look at alternative fuel sources, mainly wind power, with a brief mention of green building, hydrogen power and hyper-efficient cars. Done in a hip documentary style with odd angles, very short scenes accompanied by new age/techno music, it lays out the problems we have as the major consumer of world energy. 50% of our energy comes from coal, which they say has lead to 75% of our cities having unsafe levels of pollution. Wind turbines on the other hand are entirely non-polluting, renewable and not subject to price fluctuations like oil and coal. It was fairly presented since they did address the facts that some birds are killed and not all states have sufficient wind. As an example of a wind powered business it highlighted Fat Tire Beer, a small Texas brewery that receives all its energy from wind powered turbines. Austin TX also receives 3% of its energy from wind power.

Almost in passing, hyper-efficient cars with 99 miles per gallon possible and efficient buildings are mentioned. It did fit in to the “here is what we COULD do” theme but too briefly. Hydrogen is suggested as a means of delivering renewable, clean energy. It can be extracted by electrolysis from water, making it theoretically our most abundant form of energy. This was also given a very short treatment, with little mention of the daunting technological barriers before it comes practical. The only other problem in an otherwise uplifting and cleverly done overview of alternative energy sources was the subtle anti-military, anti-nuclear messages it plants.

This video will definitely appeal to middle and high school students with its great visuals and music that carry a positive look at sustainability with reasonable, environmentally sound energy alternatives