Group items tagged

* Released April 2007 * Running time: Eleven 50 minute episodes * According to multiple reviews, this is THE best nature and wildlife series ever made. The film covers the world's different habitats in 50 minute pieces, including mountains, caves, and desserts, ending with a three-part discussion of sustainability and the current environmental threats that our world faces. This series is not to be missed by anyone interested in natural resources, the environment, sustainability, and the future of our planet.

* Aired: January 2009 * Running time: 38:47 * Description: A Fresh Air interview with P.W. Singer, the author of the book, Wired For War. He discusses how some military tasks previously assigned to humans are now being handled by machines, the technology behind the machines, how soldiers are affected by using these machines as weapons, and the future of war. * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions Section: Conflict, Technology

* Aired: March 2008 * Running time: 58:58 * Description: This is a very entertaining and informative program on research in biotechnology and bioengineering. It talks about present research and makes some interesting predictions about the future. * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions Section: Technology

* Released February 2007 * Running time: 240 minutes * Description: China from the Inside is a series of four documentaries that survey China through Chinese eyes to see how history has shaped them and where the present is taking them. Episodes include Power and the People which deals with the governance of China, The Women which talks about the past and future for Chinese women, Shifting Nature, a look at China's environmental challenges, and Freedom, an exploration of China's conflict between personal freedom and governance. Produced in 2006 with 240 minutes on one DVD. Description from web site at http://www.shoppbs.org/ Video available for $30. * Rating: very good * Used outside class as optional learning activity; related to several revolutions

Summary: Global demographics in the twenty-first century will be defined by steep declines in fertility rates. Many countries will see their populations shrink and age. But relatively high fertility rates and immigration levels in the United States, however, may mean that it will emerge with a stronger hand.

There is a lot of interesting stuff here-- old newspapers, postcars, essays, all indexed by decade and topic.

Power is essential for India's long-term growth. But electricity is unlikely to flow fast enough.

This New York Times article describes the implications of achieving a global population of seven billion people and examines the possibilities for population growth and related issues into the future.