Acid Rain : Requiem or Recovery

University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario: 16mm.
"A series of apparently unrelated images lead to a discussion of acid rain, one of the worst environmental problems facing humankind today. Acid rain is caused by the sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides yielded by our burning of fossil fuels. The rain is the result of these oxides turning into nitric and sulphuric acids or a dry particulate fallout. Winds and other forms of precipitation generally transmit these acids to various vulnerable geographic areas such as those with thin soil and granitic bedrock. Water in these areas has been found to be particularly acidic, as measured by the pH scale. Architecture is particularly affected by acid rain; such structures as Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, and cemeteries show deterioration. The financial cost to Canada and the United States is in the billions of dollars. Acid rain also affects food crops and forests, thus affecting both forestry and agriculture. But it is in the water that the worst effects can be seen. The acidification of the water is endangering invertebrates, trout, frogs, salamanders, crayfish and minnows, and is deforming and killing fish embryos. Of course, this causes breaks in the food chain that could have frightening consequences. The film ends by emphasizing the need for clean-up, and asking what legacy we wish to leave our children—requiem or recovery."

Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario: 16mm, VHS.

University of Guelph, Guelp, Ontario: 16mm.

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario: 16mm.

York University, Toronto, Ontario: 16mm.

University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario: VHS.

Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario: VHS.

Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario: VHS.

Library and Archives Canada: 16mm.
"A film intended to increase public awareness about a growing serious threat to North America's environment, ACID RAIN : REQUIEM OR RECOVERY looks at the impact of acid precipitation on our woods, waters and wildlife. Graphs, maps, and scientific experiments serve to examine what acid rain is, where it originates, and how its insidious advance threatens not only the natural life around us, but our man-made environment as well."