Reporter Chai Jing self-financed this film to discover not only China’s issue with smog but also how the world deals with it. Chai begins by discussing the smog issue, and how it may impact her beloved friends and family. Under the Dome then transitions into how smog is comprised, and what chemicals are found that impact health. One highlight is a devastating animation that describes the damaging effects of black carbon. We then see China being overwhelmed with lots of environmental issues, also due to plant owners and executives who are not willing to take action. Poor air quality, overconsumption, pollution, fuel quality, and more run rampant.
But the documentary isn’t all gloom and doom. Chai mentions the case of Los Angeles, which is very similar to Beijing. However, the American city has lowered overall emissions. Regulation has also worked elsewhere, such as in London. Several pollution initiatives have seen advances in natural gases. Chai also discusses how China is attempting to combat pollution, like reporting a construction site for excess dust or a restaurant for oil fumes. It would have been very easy for Chai to lament how China’s issues are (literally and figuratively) choking its citizens. However, there is hope that future generations can offset the pollutants.
Under the Dome includes a teacher's guide that offers some background information on the film, touching on key environmental topics such as smog's relationship to consumerism and its generational impact. The guide samples real-life educators who have used the documentary in their curriculum and also offers a robust collection of discussion questions. The breakdown of the film into sections is especially useful for teachers, enabling them to pinpoint key themes and topics as they occur at certain timestamps in the film. This will allow educators to integrate specific clips into lessons, or structure screenings with designated pause points for discussion.
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What type of subject would this educational documentary resource be suitable for?
- Environmental Injustice: The documentary exposes the disproportionate burden of air pollution borne by communities in China, particularly those living in urban areas, and raises questions about equity and fairness in the distribution of environmental risks.
- Global Environmental Challenges: By examining the interconnectedness of environmental issues across borders, the film underscores the importance of international cooperation and collective action in addressing global environmental challenges like air pollution.
- Policy and Regulation: The film explores the role of government policies and regulations in addressing environmental issues, offering examples of successful pollution reduction initiatives in other cities.
How does this film contribute to a discussion of environmental or climate justice and environmental literacy?
Issues of smog are very important to consider when studying climate change. Smog is a visible indicator of pollution resulting from industrial activities, transportation emissions, and urbanization that we must work to combat. It not only poses immediate health risks but also carries long-term environmental consequences. As cities expand and industries grow, the challenge of reducing smog becomes increasingly urgent, highlighting the need for informed decision-making and environmentally responsible policies. Strengthening environmental literacy equips individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills to address smog-related issues effectively, promoting healthier and more sustainable living environments.
Download the complete guide for free at https://globalenvironmentaljustice.com
About the Global Environmental Justice Documentaries Project:
Regular subscription cost is US $495 for one year or $1195 for three years. Special offer of $1095 for a three year subscription in celebration of Earth Day expires 1 September 2024.
The Global Environmental Justice (GEJ) Collection is a curated selection of 48 documentaries with teacher’s guides selected by faculty from Whittier College, Yale, Brandeis, Bates and NYU. Aided by support from the Henry Luce Foundation and the Global Reporting Centre, the project provides an interdisciplinary collection of documentaries that explore the intersections of such topics as human rights, environmental degradation, colonization, global development, and climate change.More than 80 college and university libraries have hosted more than 16,000 screenings to date with a total viewing time of 330,000 minutes. Video Librarian commissioned 20 reviews of films in the award-winning collection which was also also reviewed by Choice..
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