Journey to Planet Earth

Gr 9 Up—Plan B is the latest episode in this series that examines the relationship between human consumption and the Earth's capacity to sustain an ever-growing population. While global in scope, all of the case studies focus on different sets of socio-political issues through the perspectives of the Earth's land, water supply, and/or atmospheric conditions. Hosted by actor Matt Damon and featuring scientists and scholars such as Lester Brown, Paul Krugman, and Tom Friedman, the documentary is both cautionary and directive. This group of laureates offers a clear case for the impact of environmental change, particularly in parts of the world that are growing in population while directly contributing to global pollution and the diminishing of natural and economic resources. The film encourages viewers to embrace emerging renewable resource options, not only as a measure to help preserve the planet, but also as a means to successful business. The "plan" details the trajectory of a renewable resource economy that rejects fossil fuels and embraces wind, solar, and geothermal energy—a type of initiative that has not been seen in Western civilization since the industrial revolution. The well-organized educators' guide contains lesson plans that specifically link the content to national and statewide educational standards. The film features chaptered case studies for use with shorter class periods. Highly recommended for high school and college media collections.—Vincent M Livoti, Sherrill Library, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA