The Suzuki Diaries: Future City

In this episode from the CBC series The Nature of Things, septuagenarian scientist David Suzuki and his daughter Sarika travel across Canada to showcase projects that are making major cities more environmentally responsible, in an effort to convince viewers that sustainable urban renewal is possible (80 percent of Canadians are city-dwellers). In Toronto, the pair see how ingenious design has reclaimed industrialized waterfront areas to create energy-efficient, non-polluting public parks. In Montreal, they visit Santropol Roulant, an “edible campus” program yielding three tons of produce annually, and go to Lufa Farms, an organic rooftop greenhouse. A stop in Edmonton not only leads them to an architect who builds homes with zero environmental impact, but they also get an inside look at Edmonton's renowned waste management, composting, and recycling plant. In Vancouver, they learn about city planning for density, biofuels made from wood waste, and sewer heat. Noting that younger people often spearhead and manage these undertakings, the Suzukis talk about the big picture and how the future might play out if more places were to embrace sustainable development. Director Hadley Obodiac's presentation is a tad gimmicky in spots; the Suzukis make a point of traveling in a small Airstream trailer to mimic energy conservation in cramped spaces, and Sarika's line readings convey a somewhat ingenuous, gosh-golly attitude. Nonetheless, the pioneering ventures highlighted here are impressive, offering a welcome look at what's possible—and what might, at some point, be necessary if cities are to survive. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)