Shattered Sky

Gr 10 Up—In the 1960s and 1970s, the ozone layer was in danger of disappearing as a result of the increased use of CFSs (man-made chemicals) in common products such as refrigeration and air conditioning. The chemical industry led a fight against regulating this substance by fostering a suspicion of concrete facts. The American people took up the cause and eventually the government led the international fight to save the ozone layer. Many of the circumstances encountered by scientists of that era are being repeated today with regard to climate change. Industry is reluctant to fundamentally change its business practices and is using the same methods to discredit climate scientists' dire warnings. Comparing these two situations that threaten the environment, this video makes a plea for the American government to once again become the leading force to save the world from global warming by using the 1989 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer as a model. With no narration, the many scientists, industry leaders, and lobbyists are allowed to present their arguments in their own words. A strong case is made for immediate and powerful legislation by the Congress as a beginning for international action. Archival footage from the CFC era combined with current information makes this film relevant. However, the over use of stop-motion and rapid-motion photography makes for an almost dizzying viewing experience and distracts from the very serious message presented.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly Trinity-Pawling School, NY