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SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
PetroApocalypse Now? DVD. 48 min.

As we have witnessed frequently since the energy crisis of the late 1970s, the world's economy-and consequentially, our standard of living-often rests on the availability of energy, typically based on fossil fuels. This thought-provoking documentary examines the amount of oil we need now and will need in the future to satisfy our increasing demand for products based on this increasingly elusive commodity. Three key points are raised: the planet's escalating population (especially in Third World developing countries) requires more energy, even if individual demand remains constant; the rate of oil extraction continues to decline as current exploration focuses on increasingly difficult-to-tap locations; and, while research into alternative technology-based resources such as solar and wind power and gas continues to advance, the widespread application of those sources is still far into the future. The producers of this nicely-paced program have done extensive research. There are interviews with a wide range of experts in energy production and utilization, both from the business and academic sectors. Crisp, clear graphics and an assortment of vintage film and still imagery illustrate the message that, despite assurances from oil-producing countries that supplies are adequate, too much is at stake not to give priority to addressing this critical issue. This film will be a valuable addition to media collections and will be welcomed in a variety of classroom settings.-Dwain Thomas, formerly of Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL