The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Common Text 2019-2020)

Move from outer elements of sustainability--such as solar energy, ecocities, and organic agriculture--to inner dimensions of sustainability: spirituality, holistic health, and well-being. Learn what faith-based organizations have to say about sustainability, investigate meditation, and delve deeper into the Slow Food Movement.

Energy is the strongest force in the universe. But where did it come from? This program covers the origins of energy, energy through the ages, physical and chemical changes, and the definition of energy. We’ll also explore energy in different forms, including fire and its discovery, calorific energy, the invention of machines, petroleum, windmills, photosynthesis, the Sun, energy reserves, and mechanical, electrical, and luminous energies.

25% of the global population lives without electricity, but in regions with strong sunlight. This film will investigate how we can make use of desert exposure.

This program examines the urgent need—not only in the U.S. but across the world—for sustainable energy; it also illustrates how new power production methods are becoming a reality. Alternative energy trendsetters are featured, including Time magazine “Hero for the Planet” Geoffrey Ballard, who explains his hydrogen fuel cell innovations. Evergreen Solar vice president Mark Farber describes his company’s advanced solar cell production methods and its mission to provide access to energy in the developing world—a goal shared by the Solar Electric Light Fund, says executive director Bob Freling. In addition, Rocky Mountain Institute founder Amory Lovins promotes the benefits of small solar power plants, and economist Hazel Henderson explores the potential of wind energy. (28 minutes)

Discover what makes electricity such an attractive vehicle for energy. Learn how electricity can come from oil, coal, solar, and other forces, and how electricity travels through wires with the help of voltage. Also, examine recent advances that make it easier for us to choose where we source our electricity.