Videos and Other Media:
Environmental Issues

Africa, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Kenya (1996)

Examines the situation of Liberian refugees welcomed by the residents of Sierra Leone, the effect of the 1993 agreement between cocoa producing and consuming nations on producers in Ghana, and the war between elephant poachers and park rangers in Kenya.

Bushmeat (2002). Producer: Dawna Treibiciz

This documentary was filmed in the rainforests of Cameroon in Central Africa's Congo Basin, home to the last of most of the world's great apes. It reports on the commercial but illicit trade of meat of gorillas and chimpanzees that is decimating these endangered species.

High-tech Harvest (2003). Director: Richard Vaughan

Worldwide food production must increase to keep up with a growing global population. This fact is felt especially keenly in Africa, a continent where four out of five people are farmers, yet the continent still suffers from famine. It is no wonder that genetically modified crops are viewed far more positively on the African continent than in the West. Arguments in support of biotechnology are contrasted with the concerns of those who think it is too soon to speculate on the long-term effects of GMOs on Africa's environment and its people.

No room for wilderness? (1968, 16 mm)

With the use of African examples, the fundamental nature of ecology is developed and the relationship of primitive man to his environment is shown.

The Oil Curse (2004). Producer: Rebecca John

"The discovery of oil is often celebrated as a one-way ticket to wealth and economic growth. But in some developing countries, striking it rich has the opposite effect--making oil more of a bane than a blessing for the poorest inhabitants. This program contrasts two cases: Ecuador, where the toxic environmental legacy of oil has sparked a landmark lawsuit over international corporate accountability, and western Africa, where today's oil companies have embraced new ethical and political approaches to business"--Container

On the Brink (c2003). Director: Hal Weiner

This film "explores a growing national security threat throughout the world: how environmental pressures can lead to violence, terrorism and regional conflict. Travel to areas where environmental degradation and unsustainable development practices have had negative impacts on the quality of life for millions of people"--Container. Journeys to Bangladesh, South Africa, Peru, Haiti, Mexican/U.S. border.

Safe water 2000 (1989)

This video summarizes the achievements of the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade (1981-1990) with photos and film footage. It highlights safe water achievements in Africa, the Arab States, Asia and Latin America.

Tree of survival (1983)

In one of a series of films on UN subjects made by Third World filmmakers, Abdellatib Ben Ammar of Tunisia deals with the Sahel, the region bordering on the Sahara Desert in Africa. The desert sands are marching south at a rate of a meter a month. What can the Sahelians and the international community do to help? The answer lies in the trees that need to be planted and nurtured...the trees of survival.

When the harvest is over (1989)

Kenya is an agricultural country, but once the harvest is over and they store their grain much of it becomes infested with bugs. With improved storage methods the people of Kenya are now able to save more of their grain.