TerraForma (2023) is a documentary directed by Kevin Brennan and Laurence Durkin that delves into the fascinating transformation of Ascension Island. This remote volcanic island remained barren and devoid of life for a million years until Victorian naturalists undertook an ambitious project to terraform it into a tropical paradise. The film begins by exploring the history of Ascension Island and the scientific design process that re-engineered its climate and ecosystem.
Through archival footage, expert interviews, and on-site exploration, TerraForma discusses the methods used by Victorian naturalists to introduce diverse plant species and reshape the island's environment. The documentary then transitions to the present day, where contemporary scientists return to Ascension Island to study the long-term effects of this early terraforming experiment.
The film follows these scientists as they examine the current biodiversity and ecological balance of the island, seeking answers to questions about the sustainability and impacts of such large-scale environmental engineering. As humans begin to contemplate geo-engineering the entire planet to combat climate change, TerraForma provides a timely investigation into the implications of these interventions. By examining the transformation of Ascension Island, TerraForma asks viewers to consider what it means for the future of our planet when human-engineered environments start to redefine our understanding of nature itself. The documentary serves as both a historical account and a speculative inquiry into the potential and challenges of terraforming on a global scale.
Perhaps to someone who has yet to broach the wide and deep waters of ecology and terraforming theory, TerraForma would be an excellent starter, but if you know anything beyond the typical Sci-Fi wet dreams, this documentary proves to be quite reductive at times. Many such instances include proposing impossible tasks as if they can be quickly and factually done (such as removing every mote of living material from Ascension Island to ‘restart’) or leaning hard on frankly weak rhetorical arguments instead of discussing the physics or biology of human-made biomes. While certainly beautiful and highly philosophical at many moments, TerraForma often lacks an informational quality most documentary fans will dislike. Recommended.
Where does this documentary belong on public library shelves?
TerraForma should be placed on public library shelves within the sections dedicated to ecology, environmental science, and history. The educational documentary offers a detailed exploration of Ascension Island's transformation through terraforming, making it a valuable resource for understanding historical and contemporary ecological engineering efforts. Given its appeal to both historical and scientific interests,TerraForma would also be a good fit for any interdisciplinary collections related to environmental studies and geoengineering.
What kind of college instructor could use this title?
A college instructor specializing in environmental science, ecology, or biology would find TerraForma particularly useful as it delves into topics such as biodiversity, ecological balance, and the impacts of large-scale environmental engineering. Instructors in the history of science could use the documentary to illustrate the contributions of Victorian naturalists to early ecological projects.
Additionally, geography professors might employ the film to discuss human interactions with physical landscapes and climate. Philosophy and ethics instructors could use the documentary to spark discussions on the moral implications of geo-engineering and human intervention in natural systems. Overall, TerraForma is a versatile educational tool for various disciplines that explore the relationship between humans and the environment.