Multimedia animations

In this section you will find several animations designed and produced by the International Polar Foundation on different topics linked to the polar regions, the way our planet's climate functions, climate change, biodiversity and energy.

Most of these animations are available as CD-ROMS in various languages. Please contact us for more information.

The biodiversity: introduction

13.01.2008

This animation focuses on the concept of "biodiversity" and its importance for human beings. It also draws attention to the various pressures that people place on the natural environment through pollution, growing urbanisation, the destruction of animal habitats, excessive use…
Various scenarios: choosing our future

14.12.2007

It is only recently that we have come to realise that consuming energy willy-nilly can cause problems. Even today, a part of society continues not to take this into account. However, we are going to have to change this attitude…
Improving where we live: intelligent comfort

11.12.2007

Some building materials require less energy than others to make, transport and install. This is a factor that is rarely taken into account at the moment when it comes to choosing the building materials we use. We can also design…
Changing our habits: little things that can achieve a lot

10.12.2007

It is possible to save a large amount of energy while still maintaining the same standard of living and comfort. All we have to do is save the energy that we use without it really being of any value for…
Polluting waste: very embarrassing leftovers

30.11.2007

Some methods of producing or using energy create waste matter that is toxic andcan no longer be used. This is 'polluting waste'. Some of this waste can be recycled if people take the trouble to sort it (e.g. rechargeable and…
Emissions linked to the combustion of fossil fuels: climate change

29.11.2007

The natural greenhouse effect is what makes life on Earth possible: without it, the average temperature would be about 30 °C lower! Most greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere. But a whole series of human activities has caused a…
Geothermal power: heat

28.11.2007

Geothermal power involves harnessing heat contained in the ground. Deep below the surface of our planet, our Earth's heat comes mainly from the molten magma core. Close to the surface, part of the heat is also generated by radiation from…
The wind: blowing for our benefit

23.02.2007

Wind power, created by the force of the wind, is virtually everywhere around us – although not all of the time. As a result, the locations selected for installing the huge power-generating wind turbines on wind-farms depend on the strength…
The sun: a form of energy available everywhere

16.02.2007

Solar energy, without which there would be no life on Earth, is emitted by the sun in the form of radiation. Although solar energy is stronger on the equator than it is at the North or South Pole, it is…
The biomass: bio-fuels

09.02.2007

The biomass encompasses all living matter (plant life and animals). The three main sources of energy produced by the biomass are wood, biogas and bio-fuels: Wood is the oldest source of energy used by humans. Whilst it is little used…