Black Ice

Gr 9 Up—In the Arctic, a leak from or an explosion on an offshore oil platform would cause immense destruction and pollution, thus "black ice." This documentary details the story of a Greenpeace ship, Arctic Sunrise, and the 30 activists who sought to conduct a peaceful protest of Russian Arctic oil drilling, while focusing on the fragile ecosystem and the need for global cooperation to save it. However, in September 2013, the vessel was stopped and boarded by the Russian coast guard. Taken ashore, the activists were charged with piracy and faced 10 to 15 years in jail. Appeals were denied, and calls to Russian President Vladimir Putin went unheeded. Soon a worldwide campaign emerged, calling for the release of the Arctic 30. After two months in prison, they were released on bail and eventually granted amnesty. Their sacrifice and the resulting media interest focused attention on the Arctic and the necessity to preserve it as a global sanctuary. The outstanding feature here is its use of on-location film footage and commentary by those involved in the demonstration. Their passion and dedication fill the screen. Classes across the curriculum can use this film to study global climate change, environmental activism, civil disobedience, and international politics. Students will be riveted by what they see in this remarkable work and haunted by the words of one activist, who speaks for everyone: "I am not backing down."—Patricia Ann Owens, formerly with Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, Mt. Carmel, IL