The Hydrogen Revolution: Beyond Oil 2003
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by VPRO Television
Directed by Rob van Hattum
VHS, color, 50 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Energy, Economics, Environmental Studies, Political Science, Technology, Transportation
Date Entered: 02/10/2005
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Head, Web and Digitization Services, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las VegasThis video examines what many consider to be the next major energy source: hydrogen. The film is based around the book The Hydrogen Economy by noted environmentalist and author Jeremy Rifkin, whose comments and thoughts are a major part of this film.
Rifkin has noted that the major sources of oil will be drying up in the next 50 to 100 years, and that now is the time to move away from oil towards hydrogen as an energy fuel. Hydrogen is an abundant element, and can assist in the current global crisis centered around only a few nations controlling the world's reliance on their oil resources. The global economy has time to move forward before oil becomes obsolete. Numerous geologists, politicians, environmentalists, and others comment throughout the film on the importance of developing hydrogen as a fuel source now, rather than waiting for an oil crisis to emerge. Iceland has become the world's first real hydrogen economy, exploiting its vast array of volcanoes and geothermal pools to provide energy for the country.
Because this video was produced by a Dutch television station, it is narrated in Dutch with English subtitles (it includes a history of Shell Oil, a Dutch company). The Hydrogen Revolution is fascinating, and an important film for students to watch since their generation will most likely be the ones to resolve an oil crisis.