Educational Media Reviews Online

Starting with the premise that current political and economic systems are irrevocably broken, scholars, scientists, environmental experts, religious leaders and ordinary citizens ask the painful question: does the human race have the wisdom and will not to destroy itself? Evidence from around the world suggests that we are already well on our way to do just that. In this argument, climate change, and with it the increasing number of floods, fires, droughts, famines, and violence being seen worldwide, are the unfortunate consequences of unbridled industrialization, expansion and greed. For those interviewed, fossil fuel, capitalism, and species extinction are interconnected. Despite dire predictions of difficult times ahead, the film closes on a note of optimism. Whether the hope that large and small initiatives, along with individual and group efforts presented in the film, can change what appears to be an irreversible path may serve a starting point for deeper discussion.

The film skillfully covers a lot of ground in a short amount of time. There’s a strong advocacy message here but one that doesn’t get lost in poor production values. Rather, the broad overview of a challenging subject is covered by combining interviews and poetry with outstanding photography and supplemental broadcast footage. The film is an impassioned plea for awareness and action. Recommended for general audiences looking for practical and innovative ways to break the cycle of unsustainable growth and planet destruction.