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“...an invigorating discussion of current lifestyle
choices that may be costing us our health.” Every year thousands of North American’s die from the effects of air pollution. Hospital admissions for asthma have doubled in the past ten years and air quality specialists are pointing to alarming statistics correlating smog levels with high rates of respiratory disease as well as higher mortality rates. It is only too clear that the costs of breathing polluted air are dangerously high and that despite years of official rhetoric on environmental matters, the overall quality of our air continues to get worse. Filmed in several major urban centers in Canada and the United States, The Air We Breathe takes an incisive look at how certain political choices and socio-economic forces have led to the growing crises of air pollution and what steps certain cities are taking down the path for cleaner, less polluting transit systems. With insight and wit, The Air We Breathe exposes the underlying folly of the post-war suburban dream, examining our addiction to the automobile, the environmental consequence of urban sprawl, and the damaging effects of commuter culture on both the air and our overall quality of life. A profile of one suburban Vancouver family illustrates the extent to which the dream has gone sour, turning family members into virtual slaves to the automobile. The testimony of scientists, activists and urban planners helps map out solutions that include bicycling, zero emissions vehicles and integrated public transit plans for cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Portland and Los Angeles. The Air We Breathe drives home the fact that just as short-sightedness has led to the crisis, only long-term planning that accounts for both environmental and social needs will resolve it. A co-production of Jim Hamm Productions Ltd.
and the National Film Board of Canada, Pacific
Centre. >> Interested in purchasing this film, click here << Key Credits: Reviews: "There is an effective blend of serious and humorous
material. Technical qualities were generally good to excellent.
Audience level is college and general adult, although it could
be shown in high schools. Usage potential is high since content
is applicable to a wide range of subjects or curriculum areas."
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