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1 00:00:32,880 00:00:35,400 DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A Perfect' Planet'. DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: A Perfect' Planet'.
2 00:00:39,680 00:00:42,440 Life flourishes on planet Earth... Life flourishes on planet Earth...
3 00:00:50,360 00:00:53,480 ...thanks to powerful natural forces. ...thanks to powerful natural forces.
4 00:00:59,760 00:01:03,960 The weather gives us predictable patterns of rainfall. The weather gives us predictable patterns of rainfall.
5 00:01:06,840 00:01:11,920 Sunlight delivers energy to all parts of planet Earth's surface. Sunlight delivers energy to all parts of planet Earth's surface.
6 00:01:14,600 00:01:18,360 Ocean currents carry nutrients around the globe. Ocean currents carry nutrients around the globe.
7 00:01:22,880 00:01:27,040 Volcanoes create and fertilise the land. Volcanoes create and fertilise the land.
8 00:01:28,960 00:01:33,360 Together, these forces have helped shape our living planet. Together, these forces have helped shape our living planet.
9 00:01:37,400 00:01:39,000 But it's a fragile system. But it's a fragile system.
10 00:01:39,120 00:01:40,360 MAN: All right, come on, let's get him in. MAN: All right, come on, let's get him in.
11 00:01:46,080 00:01:50,680 DAVID: This baby elephant is dying of thirst. DAVID: This baby elephant is dying of thirst.
12 00:01:50,800 00:01:52,120 MAN: Big swallow. MAN: Big swallow.
13 00:01:54,440 00:01:57,480 DAVID: The latest casualty of our changing world. DAVID: The latest casualty of our changing world.
14 00:01:58,880 00:02:01,960 (ELEPHANT SCREAMS) (ELEPHANT SCREAMS)
15 00:02:02,080 00:02:06,920 Luckily, rescuers have found him, so he has a chance. Luckily, rescuers have found him, so he has a chance.
16 00:02:14,680 00:02:18,440 This young animal is likely a victim of a new force... This young animal is likely a victim of a new force...
17 00:02:20,200 00:02:24,120 ...one so powerful it threatens the future of life on Earth. ...one so powerful it threatens the future of life on Earth.
18 00:02:30,560 00:02:33,440 (SIRENS AND FAINT CHATTER) (SIRENS AND FAINT CHATTER)
19 00:02:41,800 00:02:44,320 For over 60 yea rs, I've been privileged For over 60 yea rs, I've been privileged
20 00:02:44,440 00:02:48,320 to witness the natural world in all its wonder. to witness the natural world in all its wonder.
21 00:02:49,400 00:02:54,800 But the planet I saw as a young man has changed beyond recognition. But the planet I saw as a young man has changed beyond recognition.
22 00:02:56,480 00:03:01,880 Human activity is now so dominant it's disrupting the forces of nature Human activity is now so dominant it's disrupting the forces of nature
23 00:03:02,000 00:03:05,840 and the vital habitats that life needs to survive on Earth. and the vital habitats that life needs to survive on Earth.
24 00:03:07,240 00:03:10,400 This is the most important story of our time. This is the most important story of our time.
25 00:03:10,520 00:03:14,360 So I've asked three world authorities from the front line So I've asked three world authorities from the front line
26 00:03:14,480 00:03:16,560 to join me in telling it. to join me in telling it.
27 00:03:17,960 00:03:21,760 NIALL: Humans used to be a species just like any other on Earth. NIALL: Humans used to be a species just like any other on Earth.
28 00:03:21,880 00:03:24,640 But we've now become so populous But we've now become so populous
29 00:03:24,760 00:03:26,560 and so destructive and so destructive
30 00:03:26,680 00:03:29,360 that we are the single most influential creature on Earth. that we are the single most influential creature on Earth.
31 00:03:30,480 00:03:33,080 ASHA: Everything around us is collapsing. ASHA: Everything around us is collapsing.
32 00:03:33,200 00:03:35,960 This is the planet that we are handing over to future generations, This is the planet that we are handing over to future generations,
33 00:03:36,080 00:03:39,160 and the worst part, I'll tell you the worst part, to me, and the worst part, I'll tell you the worst part, to me,
34 00:03:39,280 00:03:41,640 is that they're going to turn around and be like, is that they're going to turn around and be like,
35 00:03:41,760 00:03:44,360 "Why did you not do something when you had the chance?" "Why did you not do something when you had the chance?"
36 00:03:44,480 00:03:49,280 JEREMY: We are likely to lose over half the species of life on Earth JEREMY: We are likely to lose over half the species of life on Earth
37 00:03:49,400 00:03:51,920 over the next eight decades. over the next eight decades.
38 00:03:52,040 00:03:55,720 The last time we had an extinction event of this magnitude The last time we had an extinction event of this magnitude
39 00:03:55,840 00:03:57,560 was 65 million years ago. was 65 million years ago.
40 00:03:58,640 00:04:00,240 We are asleep. We are asleep.
41 00:04:00,360 00:04:03,520 We are not taking a look at the enormity of this event. We are not taking a look at the enormity of this event.
42 00:04:05,400 00:04:08,880 DAVID: If you want evidence of how life is struggling to cope DAVID: If you want evidence of how life is struggling to cope
43 00:04:09,000 00:04:10,880 in our rapidly changing world... in our rapidly changing world...
44 00:04:12,480 00:04:15,800 ...you need to look no further than here in Africa. ...you need to look no further than here in Africa.
45 00:04:20,160 00:04:25,440 As we warm the planet, we create more extreme droughts and floods, As we warm the planet, we create more extreme droughts and floods,
46 00:04:25,560 00:04:29,560 making it increasingly difficult for many animals to survive. making it increasingly difficult for many animals to survive.
47 00:04:31,880 00:04:36,840 One of our planet's most magnificent creatures is no exception. One of our planet's most magnificent creatures is no exception.
48 00:04:36,960 00:04:39,240 (ELEPHANT RUMBLES) (ELEPHANT RUMBLES)
49 00:04:44,440 00:04:48,840 Adult elephants drink around 200 litres of water a day. Adult elephants drink around 200 litres of water a day.
50 00:04:54,520 00:04:58,560 When rains fail, as they did recently here in Kenya, When rains fail, as they did recently here in Kenya,
51 00:04:58,680 00:05:01,480 watering holes quickly run dry... watering holes quickly run dry...
52 00:05:01,600 00:05:02,600 (FLIES BUZZ) (FLIES BUZZ)
53 00:05:02,720 00:05:04,920 ...killing hundreds of them. ...killing hundreds of them.
54 00:05:07,520 00:05:09,960 (GRUNTING AND SQUEALING) (GRUNTING AND SQUEALING)
55 00:05:13,800 00:05:16,200 You can see the scale of the problem... You can see the scale of the problem...
56 00:05:18,040 00:05:22,480 ...by the dozens of orphaned baby elephants left behind. ...by the dozens of orphaned baby elephants left behind.
57 00:05:26,760 00:05:29,640 These are the lucky survivors. These are the lucky survivors.
58 00:05:33,400 00:05:36,240 They owe their lives to Angela Sheldrick They owe their lives to Angela Sheldrick
59 00:05:36,360 00:05:37,680 and her team, and her team,
60 00:05:37,800 00:05:39,680 who rescue these young orphans. who rescue these young orphans.
61 00:05:39,800 00:05:42,240 ANGELA: Come on. Come on, little boy. ANGELA: Come on. Come on, little boy.
62 00:05:42,360 00:05:46,640 ANGELA: The orphans, when we find them, tend to be in a pretty sorry state. ANGELA: The orphans, when we find them, tend to be in a pretty sorry state.
63 00:05:53,760 00:05:58,960 They are not only physically damaged but psychologically too. They are not only physically damaged but psychologically too.
64 00:05:59,080 00:06:02,000 ANGELA: Hey. Hello. ANGELA: Hey. Hello.
65 00:06:02,120 00:06:06,520 They have suffered such a loss, losing their elephant family, They have suffered such a loss, losing their elephant family,
66 00:06:06,640 00:06:08,760 their mothers. their mothers.
67 00:06:10,800 00:06:15,520 DAVID: Angela's team do their best to soothe that loss. DAVID: Angela's team do their best to soothe that loss.
68 00:06:25,080 00:06:26,760 Come on. Come on.
69 00:06:26,880 00:06:30,160 ANGELA". The keepers replace a lost elephant family. ANGELA". The keepers replace a lost elephant family.
70 00:06:43,880 00:06:46,800 They provide the tender loving care and the nurturing They provide the tender loving care and the nurturing
71 00:06:46,920 00:06:49,560 that is so important for them to heal. that is so important for them to heal.
72 00:06:52,560 00:06:55,400 The keepers are there 24/7. The keepers are there 24/7.
73 00:07:01,800 00:07:08,080 It is a very, very special relationship that actually does last a lifetime. It is a very, very special relationship that actually does last a lifetime.
74 00:07:08,200 00:07:10,000 Despite the elephants becoming wild, Despite the elephants becoming wild,
75 00:07:10,120 00:07:13,120 they do never forget that love and kindness. they do never forget that love and kindness.
76 00:07:18,280 00:07:23,160 DAVID: The orphans have to be bottle-fed eight times a day. DAVID: The orphans have to be bottle-fed eight times a day.
77 00:07:25,080 00:07:27,240 ANGELA: We raise these orphaned elephants to ultimately ANGELA: We raise these orphaned elephants to ultimately
78 00:07:27,360 00:07:29,360 go back to their birthright... go back to their birthright...
79 00:07:30,760 00:07:32,640 ...a wild and happy life. ...a wild and happy life.
80 00:07:32,760 00:07:35,640 (LAUGHS) You're such a clown! (LAUGHS) You're such a clown!
81 00:07:41,240 00:07:44,720 - Hey. - (LAUGHTER) - Hey. - (LAUGHTER)
82 00:07:47,840 00:07:49,280 Come with me. Come with me.
83 00:07:53,320 00:07:55,200 Go on. Go on. Go on. Go on.
84 00:07:55,320 00:07:58,080 DAVID: So far, Angela's organisation DAVID: So far, Angela's organisation
85 00:07:58,200 00:08:02,160 has released more than 150 orphaned elephants has released more than 150 orphaned elephants
86 00:08:02,280 00:08:04,000 back into the wild. back into the wild.
87 00:08:04,120 00:08:09,800 But to survive, they now need to live in managed reserves, But to survive, they now need to live in managed reserves,
88 00:08:09,920 00:08:13,880 where people top up water supplies when droughts return. where people top up water supplies when droughts return.
89 00:08:16,760 00:08:21,120 ANGELA". Over the years, we've seen an enormous change in the weather patterns. ANGELA". Over the years, we've seen an enormous change in the weather patterns.
90 00:08:22,720 00:08:24,200 Greater unpredictability. Greater unpredictability.
91 00:08:25,680 00:08:28,400 The drier seasons are drier and longer. The drier seasons are drier and longer.
92 00:08:28,520 00:08:30,800 It is the 11th hour now. It is the 11th hour now.
93 00:08:30,920 00:08:34,120 We have just one home, We have just one home,
94 00:08:34,240 00:08:38,000 and we, as the dominant species, should take care of it... and we, as the dominant species, should take care of it...
95 00:08:39,120 00:08:40,360 ...must take care of it. ...must take care of it.
96 00:08:40,480 00:08:41,960 It is our responsibility. It is our responsibility.
97 00:08:45,440 00:08:49,080 JEREMY: What! need to say to people is, this is not going to get better. JEREMY: What! need to say to people is, this is not going to get better.
98 00:08:49,200 00:08:53,600 We are on a curve that's moving us with a series of events We are on a curve that's moving us with a series of events
99 00:08:53,720 00:08:57,200 that's taking us into a new geological era in history. that's taking us into a new geological era in history.
100 00:09:01,360 00:09:05,840 DAVID: To understand how humans are destabilising our perfect planet, DAVID: To understand how humans are destabilising our perfect planet,
101 00:09:05,960 00:09:08,640 we need to look into the deep past. we need to look into the deep past.
102 00:09:10,840 00:09:16,920 In Earth's long history, it's been through at least five mass extinction events. In Earth's long history, it's been through at least five mass extinction events.
103 00:09:18,880 00:09:22,320 Most were caused by cataclysmic volcanic eruptions. Most were caused by cataclysmic volcanic eruptions.
104 00:09:27,760 00:09:31,400 It's not the lava or ash that wiped out life... It's not the lava or ash that wiped out life...
105 00:09:35,040 00:09:39,240 ...but an invisible gas released by volcanoes ...but an invisible gas released by volcanoes
106 00:09:39,360 00:09:41,000 called carbon dioxide... called carbon dioxide...
107 00:09:42,200 00:09:43,680 "£02. "£02.
108 00:09:45,760 00:09:49,280 NIALL: The single greatest extinction event on the planet so far was caused NIALL: The single greatest extinction event on the planet so far was caused
109 00:09:49,400 00:09:52,240 by the superheating of the world. by the superheating of the world.
110 00:09:54,200 00:09:58,400 Masses of volcanic activity pumped huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, Masses of volcanic activity pumped huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere,
111 00:09:58,520 00:10:00,760 massively raised the global temperature, massively raised the global temperature,
112 00:10:00,880 00:10:05,840 and saw the destruction of around 90% of all life on Earth. and saw the destruction of around 90% of all life on Earth.
113 00:10:07,160 00:10:10,800 DAVID: Humanity is now acting like a super-volcano. DAVID: Humanity is now acting like a super-volcano.
114 00:10:12,480 00:10:16,600 We're releasing carbon dioxide at an even greater rate We're releasing carbon dioxide at an even greater rate
115 00:10:16,720 00:10:22,080 than the prehistoric mega-eruptions that extinguished life in the past. than the prehistoric mega-eruptions that extinguished life in the past.
116 00:10:30,000 00:10:31,360 JEREMY: Here '5 the problem. JEREMY: Here '5 the problem.
117 00:10:31,480 00:10:34,040 Over the last two centuries, Over the last two centuries,
118 00:10:34,160 00:10:38,280 we dug up the burial grounds of our previous geological era in history... we dug up the burial grounds of our previous geological era in history...
119 00:10:39,840 00:10:41,320 ...the Carboniferous era. ...the Carboniferous era.
120 00:10:41,440 00:10:44,960 And we took those dead remains, in the form of oil, And we took those dead remains, in the form of oil,
121 00:10:45,080 00:10:47,760 gas and coal, and we made gas and coal, and we made
122 00:10:47,880 00:10:51,880 the entire industrial civilisation based on these fossil fuels. the entire industrial civilisation based on these fossil fuels.
123 00:10:57,800 00:11:03,320 DAVID: Almost every part of modern life depends on energy generated DAVID: Almost every part of modern life depends on energy generated
124 00:11:03,440 00:11:05,680 by burning these fossil fuels. by burning these fossil fuels.
125 00:11:07,440 00:11:10,600 And that produces CO₂ in huge amounts. And that produces CO₂ in huge amounts.
126 00:11:13,800 00:11:19,480 Globally, we now release 100 times more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere Globally, we now release 100 times more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
127 00:11:19,600 00:11:22,480 than all Earth's volcanoes combined. than all Earth's volcanoes combined.
128 00:11:23,520 00:11:27,000 NIALL: Ana' by burning more fossil fuels, releasing more carbon dioxide, NIALL: Ana' by burning more fossil fuels, releasing more carbon dioxide,
129 00:11:27,120 00:11:28,840 heating up the world around us, heating up the world around us,
130 00:11:28,960 00:11:34,040 we have become one of the most powerful, destructive forces on the planet. we have become one of the most powerful, destructive forces on the planet.
131 00:11:35,120 00:11:38,760 Carbon dioxide acts like a blanket, Carbon dioxide acts like a blanket,
132 00:11:38,880 00:11:41,000 trapping the sun's heat. trapping the sun's heat.
133 00:11:41,120 00:11:43,320 This raises the temperature This raises the temperature
134 00:11:43,440 00:11:48,040 and so destabilises one of the most important forces on Earth - and so destabilises one of the most important forces on Earth -
135 00:11:48,160 00:11:49,760 the weather. the weather.
136 00:11:55,000 00:12:00,000 Many animals rely on predictable patterns of rainfall. Many animals rely on predictable patterns of rainfall.
137 00:12:04,920 00:12:09,920 But as our world warms, our weather is changing. But as our world warms, our weather is changing.
138 00:12:13,200 00:12:16,200 JEREMY. For every one degree that the temperature JEREMY. For every one degree that the temperature
139 00:12:16,320 00:12:19,480 goes up on this planet, because of CO₂ emissions... goes up on this planet, because of CO₂ emissions...
140 00:12:23,040 00:12:26,320 ...the atmosphere is sucking up 7% more water. ...the atmosphere is sucking up 7% more water.
141 00:12:29,040 00:12:32,160 So we're getting more concentrated precipitation in the clouds... So we're getting more concentrated precipitation in the clouds...
142 00:12:32,280 00:12:34,120 (THUNDER RUMBLES) (THUNDER RUMBLES)
143 00:12:34,240 00:12:35,400 ...and more radical, ...and more radical,
144 00:12:35,520 00:12:39,080 extreme, unpredictable, out-of-control weather events. extreme, unpredictable, out-of-control weather events.
145 00:12:42,960 00:12:46,120 NEW EWS: Millions are bracing for a hurricane the likes of which we've never seen. NEW EWS: Millions are bracing for a hurricane the likes of which we've never seen.
146 00:12:46,240 00:12:47,440 JEREMY: We are getting hurricanes JEREMY: We are getting hurricanes
147 00:12:47,560 00:12:51,880 that are devastating our ecosystems and killing human beings every year. that are devastating our ecosystems and killing human beings every year.
148 00:12:54,680 00:12:58,120 They're now over and over and over again every season. They're now over and over and over again every season.
149 00:13:00,760 00:13:03,560 This planet is more powerful This planet is more powerful
150 00:13:03,680 00:13:04,680 than we thought. than we thought.
151 00:13:09,000 00:13:10,760 NIALL: More fires, more droughts, more floods. NIALL: More fires, more droughts, more floods.
152 00:13:12,520 00:13:15,200 And so this perfect planet of ours is now And so this perfect planet of ours is now
153 00:13:15,320 00:13:17,160 being thrown into a system of flux. being thrown into a system of flux.
154 00:13:26,840 00:13:29,680 These extreme conditions are making it These extreme conditions are making it
155 00:13:29,800 00:13:32,120 increasingly difficult for animals to survive. increasingly difficult for animals to survive.
156 00:13:38,480 00:13:41,840 DAVID: And that is not just affecting wildlife. DAVID: And that is not just affecting wildlife.
157 00:13:43,440 00:13:45,920 (WIND GUSTS) (WIND GUSTS)
158 00:13:46,040 00:13:51,440 New research suggests that for every one degree rise in global temperatures, New research suggests that for every one degree rise in global temperatures,
159 00:13:51,560 00:13:56,560 a billion people will be pushed into near unliveable extremes. a billion people will be pushed into near unliveable extremes.
160 00:13:57,840 00:14:03,240 And this could trigger one of the greatest human migrations in history. And this could trigger one of the greatest human migrations in history.
161 00:14:05,760 00:14:07,560 NIALL: We 're about to have climate refugees, NIALL: We 're about to have climate refugees,
162 00:14:07,680 00:14:10,800 forced out of uninhabitable areas of the world, forced out of uninhabitable areas of the world,
163 00:14:10,920 00:14:12,160 pushed up into Europe. pushed up into Europe.
164 00:14:16,480 00:14:17,680 JEREMY: We are on the cusp JEREMY: We are on the cusp
165 00:14:17,800 00:14:21,360 of the biggest migratory pattern of the biggest migratory pattern
166 00:14:21,480 00:14:22,600 in human history. in human history.
167 00:14:24,280 00:14:26,960 We're going to see millions, tens of millions We're going to see millions, tens of millions
168 00:14:27,080 00:14:29,440 and, unfortunately, hundreds of millions of people and, unfortunately, hundreds of millions of people
169 00:14:29,560 00:14:32,640 migrating from areas that are no longer liveable migrating from areas that are no longer liveable
170 00:14:32,760 00:14:36,240 in the next 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years. in the next 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years.
171 00:14:38,160 00:14:39,800 Ana' people are frightened - Ana' people are frightened -
172 00:14:39,920 00:14:43,040 because this is outside of our frame of reference. because this is outside of our frame of reference.
173 00:14:48,520 00:14:50,160 DAVID: But there is hope. DAVID: But there is hope.
174 00:14:52,800 00:14:57,040 In Africa, the Sahara Desert is advancing southwards. In Africa, the Sahara Desert is advancing southwards.
175 00:14:57,160 00:15:03,000 But a remarkable project is aiming to stop it in its tracks. But a remarkable project is aiming to stop it in its tracks.
176 00:15:03,120 00:15:04,480 (PEOPLE CHATTER) (PEOPLE CHATTER)
177 00:15:09,400 00:15:11,400 The ambitious goal The ambitious goal
178 00:15:11,520 00:15:15,680 is to plant over one billion drought-resistant trees, is to plant over one billion drought-resistant trees,
179 00:15:15,800 00:15:17,600 like acacias. like acacias.
180 00:15:17,720 00:15:20,000 Known as the Great Green Wall, Known as the Great Green Wall,
181 00:15:20,120 00:15:24,800 once complete, a band of trees will stretch nearly 5,000 miles once complete, a band of trees will stretch nearly 5,000 miles
182 00:15:24,920 00:15:27,040 right across Africa... right across Africa...
183 00:15:28,720 00:15:31,720 ...one of the largest living structures on the planet. ...one of the largest living structures on the planet.
184 00:15:34,040 00:15:37,040 These trees stop topsoil blowing away, These trees stop topsoil blowing away,
185 00:15:37,160 00:15:39,760 and their roots penetrate the ground, and their roots penetrate the ground,
186 00:15:39,880 00:15:42,120 creating a network of channels creating a network of channels
187 00:15:42,240 00:15:45,720 that store water whenever rain falls. that store water whenever rain falls.
188 00:15:49,280 00:15:53,440 Ten-year-old Korka is one of the first children to benefit. Ten-year-old Korka is one of the first children to benefit.
189 00:16:05,880 00:16:10,360 12 million trees have already been planted here in Senegal, 12 million trees have already been planted here in Senegal,
190 00:16:10,480 00:16:12,760 and with dramatic results. and with dramatic results.
191 00:16:16,240 00:16:20,080 Wells are filling again, allowing crops to grow. Wells are filling again, allowing crops to grow.
192 00:16:48,120 00:16:52,320 So far, only 15% of the Green Wall is complete, So far, only 15% of the Green Wall is complete,
193 00:16:52,440 00:16:55,720 but it's already breathing life back into the land, but it's already breathing life back into the land,
194 00:16:55,840 00:16:57,680 stemming the exodus of people stemming the exodus of people
195 00:16:57,800 00:17:00,480 and keeping communities together. and keeping communities together.
196 00:17:05,520 00:17:08,640 And the trees do something else for our children's future. And the trees do something else for our children's future.
197 00:17:12,720 00:17:14,160 As they grow, As they grow,
198 00:17:14,280 00:17:18,160 they remove carbon dioxide from the air. they remove carbon dioxide from the air.
199 00:17:18,280 00:17:20,040 (ANIMALS CALL) (ANIMALS CALL)
200 00:17:22,480 00:17:26,560 Carbon is the very foundation of life. Carbon is the very foundation of life.
201 00:17:28,200 00:17:31,520 Every plant absorbs it from the air... Every plant absorbs it from the air...
202 00:17:33,000 00:17:34,840 ...using it to grow. ...using it to grow.
203 00:17:37,360 00:17:39,040 When animals eat these plants, When animals eat these plants,
204 00:17:39,160 00:17:44,120 some of this carbon is locked away in the fabric of their bodies. some of this carbon is locked away in the fabric of their bodies.
205 00:17:47,880 00:17:50,560 Together, these wild places, Together, these wild places,
206 00:17:50,680 00:17:53,800 and the animals that allow them to thrive, and the animals that allow them to thrive,
207 00:17:53,920 00:17:58,520 take up over a third of the carbon dioxide we release. take up over a third of the carbon dioxide we release.
208 00:18:00,240 00:18:02,400 ASHA: All of these systems, and the life within it, ASHA: All of these systems, and the life within it,
209 00:18:02,520 00:18:06,600 are so important to protect us are so important to protect us
210 00:18:06,720 00:18:08,600 from a warming planet. from a warming planet.
211 00:18:13,360 00:18:17,240 DAVID: Some of the Earth's most important carbon stores DAVID: Some of the Earth's most important carbon stores
212 00:18:17,360 00:18:20,720 are those rich in plant and animal species - are those rich in plant and animal species -
213 00:18:20,840 00:18:23,280 the tropical jungles. the tropical jungles.
214 00:18:25,760 00:18:27,280 NIALL: Forests are sponges. NIALL: Forests are sponges.
215 00:18:27,400 00:18:30,080 They absorb enormous amounts of CO₂ They absorb enormous amounts of CO₂
216 00:18:30,200 00:18:32,440 from the atmosphere, and they trap that inside. from the atmosphere, and they trap that inside.
217 00:18:35,760 00:18:38,760 Forests are about much more than just trees. Forests are about much more than just trees.
218 00:18:38,880 00:18:42,880 In order to thrive, a jungle needs bustling animal communities. In order to thrive, a jungle needs bustling animal communities.
219 00:18:44,160 00:18:46,280 It needs insects to pollinate. It needs insects to pollinate.
220 00:18:46,400 00:18:48,600 It needs mammals to spread the seeds It needs mammals to spread the seeds
221 00:18:48,720 00:18:50,360 from one part of the forest to another. from one part of the forest to another.
222 00:18:50,480 00:18:54,480 It needs this massive tangled web of species interactions. It needs this massive tangled web of species interactions.
223 00:18:55,680 00:18:56,960 A jungle rich in animals A jungle rich in animals
224 00:18:57,080 00:19:00,360 stores so much more carbon than a forest with little life. stores so much more carbon than a forest with little life.
225 00:19:00,480 00:19:03,920 (WHOOPS) (WHOOPS)
226 00:19:05,800 00:19:09,360 DAVID: But many of the world's tropical jungles are under threat. DAVID: But many of the world's tropical jungles are under threat.
227 00:19:10,560 00:19:15,800 And none more so than the greatest of them all, the Amazon rainforest. And none more so than the greatest of them all, the Amazon rainforest.
228 00:19:20,000 00:19:23,920 It's essential for the health of our planet, storing as much carbon It's essential for the health of our planet, storing as much carbon
229 00:19:24,040 00:19:29,680 as 25 years' worth of current emissions from all the cars in the world. as 25 years' worth of current emissions from all the cars in the world.
230 00:19:31,160 00:19:35,000 NIALL: The Amazon rainforest is one of the keystones of our climate. NIALL: The Amazon rainforest is one of the keystones of our climate.
231 00:19:35,120 00:19:38,760 If we lose enough of the Amazon that it stops to function like that, If we lose enough of the Amazon that it stops to function like that,
232 00:19:38,880 00:19:43,080 then it's going to be an absolute disaster for civilisation, it really will. then it's going to be an absolute disaster for civilisation, it really will.
233 00:19:47,720 00:19:50,960 DAVID: But urban expansion, cattle ranching DAVID: But urban expansion, cattle ranching
234 00:19:51,080 00:19:54,880 and mining means that the forests of the Amazon and mining means that the forests of the Amazon
235 00:19:55,000 00:19:58,120 are being lost at a frightening rate. are being lost at a frightening rate.
236 00:20:03,320 00:20:06,600 NIALL: It's not beyond the realms of possibility that we could NIALL: It's not beyond the realms of possibility that we could
237 00:20:06,720 00:20:11,040 deforest a rainforest, like the Amazon, so that trees cannot grow there deforest a rainforest, like the Amazon, so that trees cannot grow there
238 00:20:11,160 00:20:12,960 and it turns into a savanna. and it turns into a savanna.
239 00:20:18,680 00:20:22,880 DAVID: Every minute, an area the size of about two football pitches DAVID: Every minute, an area the size of about two football pitches
240 00:20:23,000 00:20:25,120 is destroyed by humans. is destroyed by humans.
241 00:20:25,240 00:20:28,800 ASHA: These amazing ecosystems around us - the oceans, the jungles, the forests, ASHA: These amazing ecosystems around us - the oceans, the jungles, the forests,
242 00:20:28,920 00:20:31,680 the mangroves - these are our greatest hope the mangroves - these are our greatest hope
243 00:20:31,800 00:20:35,040 and our greatest buffers against a warming planet. and our greatest buffers against a warming planet.
244 00:20:39,360 00:20:42,240 DAVID: On the front line in the heart of the Amazon DAVID: On the front line in the heart of the Amazon
245 00:20:42,360 00:20:44,680 stands of the city of Manaus. stands of the city of Manaus.
246 00:20:46,720 00:20:50,160 Here, urban expansion is eating into the jungle. Here, urban expansion is eating into the jungle.
247 00:21:04,680 00:21:08,440 Celina Pinagé works for IPAAM, Celina Pinagé works for IPAAM,
248 00:21:08,560 00:21:11,680 the Amazonas Environmental Protection Unit. the Amazonas Environmental Protection Unit.
249 00:21:12,920 00:21:15,920 Their mission is to save animals trapped in the city Their mission is to save animals trapped in the city
250 00:21:16,040 00:21:17,960 and to return them to the wild. and to return them to the wild.
251 00:21:43,200 00:21:46,640 Today, Celina is rescuing a sloth. Today, Celina is rescuing a sloth.
252 00:21:46,760 00:21:49,600 It's the world's slowest mammal. It's the world's slowest mammal.
253 00:21:49,720 00:21:53,160 Many become trapped as trees are cut down Many become trapped as trees are cut down
254 00:21:53,280 00:21:54,840 to make way for houses. to make way for houses.
255 00:21:57,360 00:21:59,600 (SHOUTED WARNINGS) (SHOUTED WARNINGS)
256 00:22:27,200 00:22:31,920 Over 3,000 animals have been rescued in the past five years. Over 3,000 animals have been rescued in the past five years.
257 00:22:34,840 00:22:39,080 Each one of these creatures is needed by the forest - Each one of these creatures is needed by the forest -
258 00:22:39,200 00:22:42,440 to disperse seeds, pollinate plants to disperse seeds, pollinate plants
259 00:22:42,560 00:22:46,480 or, like this jaguar, to keep herbivores in check. or, like this jaguar, to keep herbivores in check.
260 00:22:56,440 00:23:02,560 Whenever possible, Celina releases animals back into the protected areas of jungle. Whenever possible, Celina releases animals back into the protected areas of jungle.
261 00:23:30,440 00:23:33,360 NIALL: We don't just want to protect animals because they are interesting NIALL: We don't just want to protect animals because they are interesting
262 00:23:33,480 00:23:34,720 and they're beautiful. and they're beautiful.
263 00:23:34,840 00:23:39,080 They're an integral part of a functioning planet, and we need to keep them around. They're an integral part of a functioning planet, and we need to keep them around.
264 00:23:42,720 00:23:46,920 DAVID: So, how do we protect our remaining forests? DAVID: So, how do we protect our remaining forests?
265 00:23:47,040 00:23:51,440 Calculating their true environmental value could hold the key. Calculating their true environmental value could hold the key.
266 00:23:53,480 00:23:57,880 And a new cutting-edge technology is beginning to do just that. And a new cutting-edge technology is beginning to do just that.
267 00:23:59,880 00:24:05,000 It's led by a team from the Global Airborne Observatory. It's led by a team from the Global Airborne Observatory.
268 00:24:05,120 00:24:11,160 They've developed a way to quantify exactly how much carbon the forest stores. They've developed a way to quantify exactly how much carbon the forest stores.
269 00:24:14,880 00:24:18,320 By firing high-powered lasers across the canopy, By firing high-powered lasers across the canopy,
270 00:24:18,440 00:24:22,160 they can map the amount of carbon within each tree. they can map the amount of carbon within each tree.
271 00:24:27,960 00:24:32,680 The trees showing up as red and yellow are the most carbon rich. The trees showing up as red and yellow are the most carbon rich.
272 00:24:35,680 00:24:41,240 These maps allow countries to see how valuable their forests are. These maps allow countries to see how valuable their forests are.
273 00:24:45,000 00:24:47,720 NIALL: I truly hope that we aren't too faraway NIALL: I truly hope that we aren't too faraway
274 00:24:47,840 00:24:51,680 from realising the intrinsic value of wildlife, of forests, from realising the intrinsic value of wildlife, of forests,
275 00:24:51,800 00:24:54,760 but we're not there yet, and for the time being but we're not there yet, and for the time being
276 00:24:54,880 00:24:58,640 governments need to be financially incentivised to keep forests standing governments need to be financially incentivised to keep forests standing
277 00:24:58,760 00:25:00,400 and to not cut them down. and to not cut them down.
278 00:25:04,800 00:25:09,200 DAVID: But what about areas of forest that have already been destroyed? DAVID: But what about areas of forest that have already been destroyed?
279 00:25:11,320 00:25:15,280 In the Amazon, a revolutionary project is under way. In the Amazon, a revolutionary project is under way.
280 00:25:18,920 00:25:21,680 The aim is to plant a new jungle The aim is to plant a new jungle
281 00:25:21,800 00:25:25,200 of 73 million trees. of 73 million trees.
282 00:25:25,320 00:25:27,200 (PEOPLE CHATTER) (PEOPLE CHATTER)
283 00:25:30,000 00:25:35,080 But regrowing a species-rich forest has always proved difficult. But regrowing a species-rich forest has always proved difficult.
284 00:25:38,640 00:25:43,880 So the project has turned to the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, So the project has turned to the indigenous peoples of the Amazon,
285 00:25:44,000 00:25:46,920 and young women like Milene Alves. and young women like Milene Alves.
286 00:26:06,480 00:26:09,920 Milene's community has a unique knowledge of seeds. Milene's community has a unique knowledge of seeds.
287 00:26:15,280 00:26:19,800 It's enabled them to collect over 200 of the most important tree species It's enabled them to collect over 200 of the most important tree species
288 00:26:19,920 00:26:21,720 from across the Amazon. from across the Amazon.
289 00:26:55,040 00:26:57,240 By mixing the seeds together, By mixing the seeds together,
290 00:26:57,360 00:27:01,600 it allows them to create a super-recipe known as a muvuca. it allows them to create a super-recipe known as a muvuca.
291 00:27:04,240 00:27:10,040 In this mixture, there is enough tree variety to jump-start a new jungle. In this mixture, there is enough tree variety to jump-start a new jungle.
292 00:27:12,840 00:27:15,480 Every year, around 20 tonnes of seeds Every year, around 20 tonnes of seeds
293 00:27:15,600 00:27:19,200 are scattered over acres of burnt and degraded land. are scattered over acres of burnt and degraded land.
294 00:27:21,160 00:27:22,560 After six yea rs, After six yea rs,
295 00:27:22,680 00:27:25,040 they will have restored an area of forest they will have restored an area of forest
296 00:27:25,160 00:27:28,680 the size of 30,000 football fields... the size of 30,000 football fields...
297 00:27:29,840 00:27:34,120 ...the largest tropical restoration project in the world. ...the largest tropical restoration project in the world.
298 00:27:39,320 00:27:41,080 NIALL: The best thing we can possibly do NIALL: The best thing we can possibly do
299 00:27:41,200 00:27:44,440 to mitigate the effects of a warming planet is to plant more trees to mitigate the effects of a warming planet is to plant more trees
300 00:27:44,560 00:27:46,720 and protect those trees that we have. and protect those trees that we have.
301 00:27:46,840 00:27:47,880 We can do this. We can do this.
302 00:27:48,000 00:27:50,720 If we put them back, we are creating If we put them back, we are creating
303 00:27:50,840 00:27:53,080 that stable climate that we need to survive, that stable climate that we need to survive,
304 00:27:53,200 00:27:54,640 and it's such an easy thing to do. and it's such an easy thing to do.
305 00:27:54,760 00:27:59,600 Planting trees and saving wildlife is a vital solution on land, Planting trees and saving wildlife is a vital solution on land,
306 00:27:59,720 00:28:02,120 but it's only part of the story. but it's only part of the story.
307 00:28:02,240 00:28:04,320 The carbon dioxide we produce The carbon dioxide we produce
308 00:28:04,440 00:28:07,040 is damaging another crucial part of our planet - is damaging another crucial part of our planet -
309 00:28:07,160 00:28:08,640 the oceans. the oceans.
310 00:28:13,080 00:28:18,040 Life cannot survive without them. Life cannot survive without them.
311 00:28:23,280 00:28:25,520 ASHA". The reason we can walk out and live ASHA". The reason we can walk out and live
312 00:28:25,640 00:28:27,840 and breathe oxygen is because and breathe oxygen is because
313 00:28:27,960 00:28:29,560 it's generated in the oceans. it's generated in the oceans.
314 00:28:33,080 00:28:37,880 DAVID: The oceans produce up to 70% of the oxygen we breathe DAVID: The oceans produce up to 70% of the oxygen we breathe
315 00:28:38,000 00:28:41,400 and feed over three billion people. and feed over three billion people.
316 00:28:45,960 00:28:47,840 Just like our forests, Just like our forests,
317 00:28:47,960 00:28:53,000 the plants and animals here absorb vast amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. the plants and animals here absorb vast amounts of carbon from the atmosphere.
318 00:28:55,440 00:28:58,400 And when they die, it sinks down to the ocean floor. And when they die, it sinks down to the ocean floor.
319 00:29:01,920 00:29:04,600 ASHA: The ocean is what we call a carbon sink. ASHA: The ocean is what we call a carbon sink.
320 00:29:04,720 00:29:06,800 Basically, it's a giant sponge Basically, it's a giant sponge
321 00:29:06,920 00:29:12,680 that has forever been absorbing all the excess carbon from the atmosphere, that has forever been absorbing all the excess carbon from the atmosphere,
322 00:29:12,800 00:29:15,160 taking it down to the depths and keeping it there. taking it down to the depths and keeping it there.
323 00:29:16,400 00:29:20,160 DAVID: The most vital life forms that allow the ocean to do this DAVID: The most vital life forms that allow the ocean to do this
324 00:29:20,280 00:29:22,160 are some of the tiniest, are some of the tiniest,
325 00:29:22,280 00:29:26,240 microscopic plant-like organisms - microscopic plant-like organisms -
326 00:29:26,360 00:29:28,520 phytoplankton. phytoplankton.
327 00:29:28,640 00:29:31,760 JEREMY: Now, we don't pay much attention to the little teeny plankton. JEREMY: Now, we don't pay much attention to the little teeny plankton.
328 00:29:31,880 00:29:37,440 But plankton are the most important organisms for taking carbon dioxide But plankton are the most important organisms for taking carbon dioxide
329 00:29:37,560 00:29:40,040 and transforming it into oxygen for the planet. and transforming it into oxygen for the planet.
330 00:29:41,480 00:29:44,080 NIALL: Phytoplankton are the base of the food chain NIALL: Phytoplankton are the base of the food chain
331 00:29:44,200 00:29:46,120 on top of which everything else survives. on top of which everything else survives.
332 00:29:46,240 00:29:48,040 The krill eats the phytoplankton, The krill eats the phytoplankton,
333 00:29:48,160 00:29:50,320 whales eat the krill, whales eat the krill,
334 00:29:50,440 00:29:53,160 sharks eat the fish, and so on and so forth. sharks eat the fish, and so on and so forth.
335 00:29:53,280 00:29:57,040 We need phytoplankton for everything else in the oceans to survive, We need phytoplankton for everything else in the oceans to survive,
336 00:29:57,160 00:30:00,480 to trap that carbon and keep our climate cool. to trap that carbon and keep our climate cool.
337 00:30:01,680 00:30:06,280 DAVID: But some of these crucial phytoplankton are under attack. DAVID: But some of these crucial phytoplankton are under attack.
338 00:30:11,520 00:30:14,120 Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, Since the start of the Industrial Revolution,
339 00:30:14,240 00:30:19,360 the oceans have absorbed almost half of all our CO₂ emissions. the oceans have absorbed almost half of all our CO₂ emissions.
340 00:30:20,520 00:30:23,160 But that has come at a cost. But that has come at a cost.
341 00:30:28,360 00:30:33,240 When water absorbs carbon dioxide, it becomes more acidic. When water absorbs carbon dioxide, it becomes more acidic.
342 00:30:35,960 00:30:39,480 ASHA: But the problem when you have this acidification ASHA: But the problem when you have this acidification
343 00:30:39,600 00:30:42,200 is that shells are made of calcium carbonate, is that shells are made of calcium carbonate,
344 00:30:42,320 00:30:44,880 and as you have this increased acidity in the oceans, and as you have this increased acidity in the oceans,
345 00:30:45,000 00:30:46,920 it starts to dissolve these structures. it starts to dissolve these structures.
346 00:30:47,040 00:30:51,040 That threatens anything with a shell. That threatens anything with a shell.
347 00:30:51,160 00:30:54,360 DAVID: Our increasingly warm, acidic waters DAVID: Our increasingly warm, acidic waters
348 00:30:54,480 00:30:57,520 are not only destroying coral reefs are not only destroying coral reefs
349 00:30:57,640 00:31:00,360 but decimating some phytoplankton, but decimating some phytoplankton,
350 00:31:00,480 00:31:04,600 the amount of which has fallen by as much as 40% in recent years. the amount of which has fallen by as much as 40% in recent years.
351 00:31:06,760 00:31:13,080 250 million years ago, the ocean also warmed and became more acidic, 250 million years ago, the ocean also warmed and became more acidic,
352 00:31:13,200 00:31:19,040 contributing to the mass extinction of around 96% of all marine life. contributing to the mass extinction of around 96% of all marine life.
353 00:31:20,400 00:31:23,600 ASHA: If we have less phytoplankton, the base of every food web, ASHA: If we have less phytoplankton, the base of every food web,
354 00:31:23,720 00:31:26,160 you lose so much more of everything else. you lose so much more of everything else.
355 00:31:28,480 00:31:32,000 It is serious. If we have less phytoplankton, It is serious. If we have less phytoplankton,
356 00:31:32,120 00:31:37,160 we have less oxygen, which is what we need to survive. we have less oxygen, which is what we need to survive.
357 00:31:40,840 00:31:42,680 DAVID: And the oceans are being damaged DAVID: And the oceans are being damaged
358 00:31:42,800 00:31:45,200 in another way. in another way.
359 00:31:45,320 00:31:48,160 Research suggests that overfishing Research suggests that overfishing
360 00:31:48,280 00:31:53,280 has removed as much as 90% of all large predatory fish. has removed as much as 90% of all large predatory fish.
361 00:31:53,400 00:31:57,880 And fewer fish means a marine system that stores And fewer fish means a marine system that stores
362 00:31:58,000 00:31:59,000 less carbon. less carbon.
363 00:32:00,040 00:32:04,120 Ocean species are dying at a rate that's so fast Ocean species are dying at a rate that's so fast
364 00:32:04,240 00:32:07,160 that if it were human beings we would absolutely be terrified. that if it were human beings we would absolutely be terrified.
365 00:32:13,080 00:32:14,480 DAVID: But there is hope here, too. DAVID: But there is hope here, too.
366 00:32:14,600 00:32:18,320 (MUFFLED RADIO MESSAGES) (MUFFLED RADIO MESSAGES)
367 00:32:18,440 00:32:20,680 When areas of ocean are protected, When areas of ocean are protected,
368 00:32:20,800 00:32:23,520 marine life can recover. marine life can recover.
369 00:32:27,240 00:32:29,080 Here, off the coast of Gabon, Here, off the coast of Gabon,
370 00:32:29,200 00:32:32,200 they've created one of Earth's most ambitious networks they've created one of Earth's most ambitious networks
371 00:32:32,320 00:32:34,560 of marine protected areas. of marine protected areas.
372 00:32:38,120 00:32:41,320 It's a hot spot for breeding whales and dolphins... It's a hot spot for breeding whales and dolphins...
373 00:32:44,840 00:32:47,720 ...and one of the most important of all marine predators... ...and one of the most important of all marine predators...
374 00:32:49,840 00:32:51,520 ...sharks. ...sharks.
375 00:32:52,640 00:32:57,480 Sharks prevent the species they feed on from becoming overabundant, Sharks prevent the species they feed on from becoming overabundant,
376 00:32:57,600 00:33:01,800 an essential factor in maintaining our oceans' rich diversity. an essential factor in maintaining our oceans' rich diversity.
377 00:33:03,400 00:33:06,280 PETER HAMMARSTEDT: When people think about poaching in Africa, PETER HAMMARSTEDT: When people think about poaching in Africa,
378 00:33:06,400 00:33:09,560 they think about elephants and rhinos and hippos they think about elephants and rhinos and hippos
379 00:33:09,680 00:33:12,360 and these great, majestic creatures on land. and these great, majestic creatures on land.
380 00:33:12,480 00:33:16,040 But there is poaching that's taking place at sea. But there is poaching that's taking place at sea.
381 00:33:17,120 00:33:21,920 The reason that I call these fishermen poachers is that they are taking wildlife The reason that I call these fishermen poachers is that they are taking wildlife
382 00:33:22,040 00:33:24,160 without licence. without licence.
383 00:33:24,280 00:33:26,920 DAVID: Captain Peter Hammarstedt, who works for the conservation group DAVID: Captain Peter Hammarstedt, who works for the conservation group
384 00:33:27,040 00:33:28,840 Sea Shepherd, Sea Shepherd,
385 00:33:28,960 00:33:33,120 is patrolling the 20,000-square-mile marine park. is patrolling the 20,000-square-mile marine park.
386 00:33:33,240 00:33:34,280 (HORN BLARES) (HORN BLARES)
387 00:33:34,400 00:33:37,840 Prepare boats for launch, prepare boats for launch. Thank you. Prepare boats for launch, prepare boats for launch. Thank you.
388 00:33:37,960 00:33:42,520 DAVID: They've spotted a commercial fishing boat on the edge of the park DAVID: They've spotted a commercial fishing boat on the edge of the park
389 00:33:42,640 00:33:44,920 which needs investigating. which needs investigating.
390 00:33:47,120 00:33:50,000 The Gabonese government has joined forces with Peter's team The Gabonese government has joined forces with Peter's team
391 00:33:50,120 00:33:51,920 to carry out boat inspections. to carry out boat inspections.
392 00:33:54,400 00:33:58,680 The vessel may have a licence to fish here, The vessel may have a licence to fish here,
393 00:33:58,800 00:34:01,000 but it could be taking more than its quota but it could be taking more than its quota
394 00:34:01,120 00:34:03,320 and catching protected species, and catching protected species,
395 00:34:03,440 00:34:05,800 like dolphins and sharks. like dolphins and sharks.
396 00:34:05,920 00:34:07,680 (MUFFLED RADIO MESSAGES) (MUFFLED RADIO MESSAGES)
397 00:34:13,640 00:34:15,720 PETER: When fighting a war to stop illegal fishing, PETER: When fighting a war to stop illegal fishing,
398 00:34:15,840 00:34:19,080 the odds can seem insurmountable. the odds can seem insurmountable.
399 00:34:42,480 00:34:45,120 DAVID: This boat's fishing nets have pulled up DAVID: This boat's fishing nets have pulled up
400 00:34:45,240 00:34:47,960 threatened silky and blue sharks. threatened silky and blue sharks.
401 00:34:51,240 00:34:54,560 Catching and keeping these creatures is illegal, Catching and keeping these creatures is illegal,
402 00:34:54,680 00:34:58,240 so the fishermen must throw them back. so the fishermen must throw them back.
403 00:34:58,360 00:35:03,040 But many are already so badly injured they will not survive the ordeal. But many are already so badly injured they will not survive the ordeal.
404 00:35:04,560 00:35:08,080 PETER". It saddens me greatly to see these incredible creatures PETER". It saddens me greatly to see these incredible creatures
405 00:35:08,200 00:35:12,800 being brutally manhandled as they're dragged across the deck, being brutally manhandled as they're dragged across the deck,
406 00:35:12,920 00:35:16,000 their fingers in their gills as they pull them. their fingers in their gills as they pull them.
407 00:35:20,920 00:35:24,360 DAVID: Globally each year, millions of sharks DAVID: Globally each year, millions of sharks
408 00:35:24,480 00:35:30,080 and over 300,000 whales and dolphins are accidentally killed by fishing nets, and over 300,000 whales and dolphins are accidentally killed by fishing nets,
409 00:35:30,200 00:35:33,280 seriously injuring the health of the oceans. seriously injuring the health of the oceans.
410 00:35:33,400 00:35:38,000 PETER: It's the efficiency of these vessels that shocks me to the core... PETER: It's the efficiency of these vessels that shocks me to the core...
411 00:35:39,080 00:35:41,640 ...this sheer killing power of them. ...this sheer killing power of them.
412 00:35:43,200 00:35:45,120 And you can really see And you can really see
413 00:35:45,240 00:35:48,600 why the oceans are being sucked dry of life. why the oceans are being sucked dry of life.
414 00:36:03,760 00:36:06,120 DAVID: But the patrols are working. DAVID: But the patrols are working.
415 00:36:06,240 00:36:10,560 In the past three yea rs, they have arrested 50 vessels In the past three yea rs, they have arrested 50 vessels
416 00:36:10,680 00:36:12,760 and inspected hundreds more. and inspected hundreds more.
417 00:36:13,840 00:36:16,080 PETER: Last year, we assisted the coastguard PETER: Last year, we assisted the coastguard
418 00:36:16,200 00:36:19,000 to arrest a vessel that was poaching sharks. to arrest a vessel that was poaching sharks.
419 00:36:19,120 00:36:21,520 And by arresting this one single ship, And by arresting this one single ship,
420 00:36:21,640 00:36:25,600 we were able to save the lives of 250,000 sharks. we were able to save the lives of 250,000 sharks.
421 00:36:28,640 00:36:32,560 DAVID: Marine life here now has a chance. DAVID: Marine life here now has a chance.
422 00:36:34,400 00:36:38,200 Currently, around 5% of the oceans are protected, Currently, around 5% of the oceans are protected,
423 00:36:38,320 00:36:42,760 but there's a global campaign to raise that to 30%. but there's a global campaign to raise that to 30%.
424 00:36:43,960 00:36:48,360 If we can do that, many of the planet's most vulnerable species If we can do that, many of the planet's most vulnerable species
425 00:36:48,480 00:36:50,400 could recover. could recover.
426 00:36:50,520 00:36:55,600 And a healthier ocean has the power to absorb more CO₂. And a healthier ocean has the power to absorb more CO₂.
427 00:36:58,320 00:36:59,920 ASHA: We thought the ocean is ASHA: We thought the ocean is
428 00:37:00,040 00:37:05,040 this infinite space that is full of infinite resources... this infinite space that is full of infinite resources...
429 00:37:06,080 00:37:09,160 ...and this infinite capacity to ...and this infinite capacity to
430 00:37:09,280 00:37:12,840 withstand and tolerate everything that we throw at it. withstand and tolerate everything that we throw at it.
431 00:37:14,480 00:37:16,200 And I think we do need to... And I think we do need to...
432 00:37:16,320 00:37:21,360 ...stop and reconsider our strategies if we want to move forward. ...stop and reconsider our strategies if we want to move forward.
433 00:37:26,520 00:37:30,400 DAVID: Humans aren't just damaging life in the sea. DAVID: Humans aren't just damaging life in the sea.
434 00:37:30,520 00:37:35,040 We're also disturbing one of its most important forces... We're also disturbing one of its most important forces...
435 00:37:39,280 00:37:41,320 ...ocean currents. ...ocean currents.
436 00:37:45,600 00:37:51,680 These transport essential nutrients to almost all marine creatures. These transport essential nutrients to almost all marine creatures.
437 00:37:51,800 00:37:53,280 ASHA: We're dependent on ASHA: We're dependent on
438 00:37:53,400 00:37:56,040 these large circulation patterns that go on in our oceans. these large circulation patterns that go on in our oceans.
439 00:37:57,520 00:37:59,440 There's this continuous movement There's this continuous movement
440 00:37:59,560 00:38:01,680 of beautiful cold water coming from the depths. of beautiful cold water coming from the depths.
441 00:38:03,120 00:38:04,280 It's chock-full of nutrients, It's chock-full of nutrients,
442 00:38:04,400 00:38:07,080 it's chock-full of productivity. it's chock-full of productivity.
443 00:38:07,200 00:38:10,520 DAVID: These currents begin at the poles. DAVID: These currents begin at the poles.
444 00:38:12,520 00:38:13,760 Here, cold, salty water, Here, cold, salty water,
445 00:38:13,880 00:38:16,800 which is more dense, sinks to the depths... which is more dense, sinks to the depths...
446 00:38:18,720 00:38:20,880 ...and flows towards the tropics ...and flows towards the tropics
447 00:38:21,000 00:38:23,040 and beyond. and beyond.
448 00:38:25,440 00:38:29,880 In the hotter parts of the Earth, warmer water rises and flows In the hotter parts of the Earth, warmer water rises and flows
449 00:38:30,000 00:38:31,720 back towards the poles. back towards the poles.
450 00:38:32,800 00:38:35,680 This creates a global conveyor belt This creates a global conveyor belt
451 00:38:35,800 00:38:39,760 that circulates nutrients, oxygen and heat around our planet, that circulates nutrients, oxygen and heat around our planet,
452 00:38:39,880 00:38:43,120 regulating Earth's climate and weather. regulating Earth's climate and weather.
453 00:38:44,320 00:38:49,840 But it's now feared that our warming planet is destabilising the system. But it's now feared that our warming planet is destabilising the system.
454 00:38:51,760 00:38:54,480 ASHA: As you have an increase in ocean temperatures, ASHA: As you have an increase in ocean temperatures,
455 00:38:54,600 00:38:56,240 it has impacts on everything. it has impacts on everything.
456 00:38:56,360 00:38:58,560 We have glaciers across the world, and as they melt, We have glaciers across the world, and as they melt,
457 00:38:58,680 00:39:02,000 you have more of this fresh water just pushing into the oceans. you have more of this fresh water just pushing into the oceans.
458 00:39:02,120 00:39:06,080 And this fresh water is less saline, it's less salty, And this fresh water is less saline, it's less salty,
459 00:39:06,200 00:39:09,240 and that tends to float at the surface. and that tends to float at the surface.
460 00:39:10,480 00:39:13,800 And it's not moving. You don't have this circulation. And it's not moving. You don't have this circulation.
461 00:39:13,920 00:39:15,800 It's causing a breakdown. It's causing a breakdown.
462 00:39:17,200 00:39:20,880 DAVID: Many animals depend on reliable ocean currents, DAVID: Many animals depend on reliable ocean currents,
463 00:39:21,000 00:39:22,800 so, as they change, so, as they change,
464 00:39:22,920 00:39:25,600 the effect can be disastrous. the effect can be disastrous.
465 00:39:27,680 00:39:29,040 This can be witnessed This can be witnessed
466 00:39:29,160 00:39:32,240 off the north-east coast of the United States, off the north-east coast of the United States,
467 00:39:32,360 00:39:34,040 where it's thought to be triggering where it's thought to be triggering
468 00:39:34,160 00:39:37,880 mass casualties of a critically endangered species. mass casualties of a critically endangered species.
469 00:39:39,360 00:39:42,880 BOB PRESCOTT: The fact that they're even here just stuns so many people. BOB PRESCOTT: The fact that they're even here just stuns so many people.
470 00:39:43,000 00:39:47,080 DAVID: Bob Prescott heads up the emergency response team. DAVID: Bob Prescott heads up the emergency response team.
471 00:39:52,880 00:39:56,080 BOB: We have about 250 people that Walk beaches. BOB: We have about 250 people that Walk beaches.
472 00:39:56,200 00:39:58,400 DAVID: They're looking for turtles in trouble. DAVID: They're looking for turtles in trouble.
473 00:40:00,320 00:40:01,640 NEWS: This week's frigid conditions NEWS: This week's frigid conditions
474 00:40:01,760 00:40:04,040 have stunned sea turtles and left them have stunned sea turtles and left them
475 00:40:04,160 00:40:06,280 stranded on beaches throughout the north-east. stranded on beaches throughout the north-east.
476 00:40:06,400 00:40:09,760 If you spot one, move the turtle above the high-tide line If you spot one, move the turtle above the high-tide line
477 00:40:09,880 00:40:12,800 until a trained responder arrives. until a trained responder arrives.
478 00:40:12,920 00:40:14,280 BOB: Timing is everything. BOB: Timing is everything.
479 00:40:14,400 00:40:16,640 If we can get to them within an hour If we can get to them within an hour
480 00:40:16,760 00:40:18,600 of them washing up onto the beach, of them washing up onto the beach,
481 00:40:18,720 00:40:20,720 then we're going to be able to save then we're going to be able to save
482 00:40:20,840 00:40:23,240 90 to 95% of them. 90 to 95% of them.
483 00:40:24,320 00:40:26,760 DAVID: Here, off the coast of Boston, DAVID: Here, off the coast of Boston,
484 00:40:26,880 00:40:30,160 waters are warming faster than almost anywhere on Earth. waters are warming faster than almost anywhere on Earth.
485 00:40:31,400 00:40:34,600 It's thought to be causing turtles from the tropics to swim It's thought to be causing turtles from the tropics to swim
486 00:40:34,720 00:40:38,120 further north than ever before for summer feeding. further north than ever before for summer feeding.
487 00:40:39,880 00:40:42,320 But when the cold autumn waters suddenly close in, But when the cold autumn waters suddenly close in,
488 00:40:42,440 00:40:44,960 the turtles go into shock. the turtles go into shock.
489 00:40:47,280 00:40:49,520 BOB: These are very young turtles. BOB: These are very young turtles.
490 00:40:49,640 00:40:51,280 They're anywhere from one and a half They're anywhere from one and a half
491 00:40:51,400 00:40:52,480 to six years old. to six years old.
492 00:40:53,800 00:40:56,200 When we find them, they're hypothermia, When we find them, they're hypothermia,
493 00:40:56,320 00:40:59,760 their heart is beating at one to five beats a minute. their heart is beating at one to five beats a minute.
494 00:40:59,880 00:41:02,120 The blood is barely circulating. The blood is barely circulating.
495 00:41:02,240 00:41:04,880 For all intents and purposes, look dead. For all intents and purposes, look dead.
496 00:41:05,000 00:41:06,400 DAVID: The critically ill animals DAVID: The critically ill animals
497 00:41:06,520 00:41:09,760 are rushed to the New England Aquarium, near Boston. are rushed to the New England Aquarium, near Boston.
498 00:41:09,880 00:41:14,880 It has a state-of-the-art ER unit for turtles. It has a state-of-the-art ER unit for turtles.
499 00:41:16,320 00:41:18,200 BOB: We don't want to stress them any further, BOB: We don't want to stress them any further,
500 00:41:18,320 00:41:20,880 so we now treat the whole episode so we now treat the whole episode
501 00:41:21,000 00:41:23,000 as sort of entering an ICU unit of a hospital. as sort of entering an ICU unit of a hospital.
502 00:41:24,440 00:41:27,200 This is critical care for some turtles. This is critical care for some turtles.
503 00:41:27,320 00:41:31,040 AQUARIST: He's pretty stiff, so I can't get his mouth open any more. AQUARIST: He's pretty stiff, so I can't get his mouth open any more.
504 00:41:31,160 00:41:32,840 See, it's right there. See, it's right there.
505 00:41:32,960 00:41:34,600 Oh, there we are, there we are. Oh, there we are, there we are.
506 00:41:36,080 00:41:40,280 DAVID: When a turtle arrives, its condition is rapidly assessed. DAVID: When a turtle arrives, its condition is rapidly assessed.
507 00:41:40,400 00:41:42,440 - AQUARIST: How you doing? - DAVID: The animals are given - AQUARIST: How you doing? - DAVID: The animals are given
508 00:41:42,560 00:41:44,800 stabilising drugs and fluids. stabilising drugs and fluids.
509 00:41:44,920 00:41:47,200 Their lungs are cleared of water Their lungs are cleared of water
510 00:41:47,320 00:41:49,600 and sand washed out of their scratched eyes. and sand washed out of their scratched eyes.
511 00:41:52,680 00:41:54,560 AQUARIST: Got emergency meds. AQUARIST: Got emergency meds.
512 00:41:54,680 00:41:56,200 DAVID: The veterinary team DAVID: The veterinary team
513 00:41:56,320 00:41:57,680 must ventilate turtles must ventilate turtles
514 00:41:57,800 00:41:59,640 that are close to death that are close to death
515 00:41:59,760 00:42:01,600 - to help them breathe. - AQUARIST: No response at all. - to help them breathe. - AQUARIST: No response at all.
516 00:42:01,720 00:42:06,760 DAVID: But it's worth it for an animal that might live another 50 years. DAVID: But it's worth it for an animal that might live another 50 years.
517 00:42:08,560 00:42:10,480 BOB". You want to save as many as you can. BOB". You want to save as many as you can.
518 00:42:11,520 00:42:12,880 And it is depressing at times, And it is depressing at times,
519 00:42:13,000 00:42:14,960 cos a lot of them don't make it. cos a lot of them don't make it.
520 00:42:19,480 00:42:23,320 You know, last year at Thanksgiving, we had 200 dead turtles. You know, last year at Thanksgiving, we had 200 dead turtles.
521 00:42:26,120 00:42:30,280 Right, and you're looking into its eyes, it's looking back at you. Right, and you're looking into its eyes, it's looking back at you.
522 00:42:30,400 00:42:32,000 There is a connection there. There is a connection there.
523 00:42:33,280 00:42:36,680 And it gets stronger and stronger as they start to recover. And it gets stronger and stronger as they start to recover.
524 00:42:39,080 00:42:42,480 DAVID: It can take months for the turtles to recuperate. DAVID: It can take months for the turtles to recuperate.
525 00:42:42,600 00:42:43,880 But once they do, But once they do,
526 00:42:44,000 00:42:47,520 they'll make the first plane flight of their lives. they'll make the first plane flight of their lives.
527 00:42:47,640 00:42:50,240 AQUARIST: We have a big transport this morning, AQUARIST: We have a big transport this morning,
528 00:42:50,360 00:42:52,440 44 ridleys and one loggerhead. 44 ridleys and one loggerhead.
529 00:42:52,560 00:42:54,560 So we're going to start in 15B. So we're going to start in 15B.
530 00:42:54,680 00:42:57,280 All right, let's get to work! All right, let's get to work!
531 00:42:58,640 00:43:00,080 BOB: They are part of the planet. BOB: They are part of the planet.
532 00:43:01,160 00:43:05,480 They're part of our very delicate web of life, if you will. They're part of our very delicate web of life, if you will.
533 00:43:05,600 00:43:08,640 AQUARIST: 38, 41, 44... AQUARIST: 38, 41, 44...
534 00:43:08,760 00:43:13,120 BOB: The bottom line for all these turtles is to get them back out into the water. BOB: The bottom line for all these turtles is to get them back out into the water.
535 00:43:15,800 00:43:19,160 AQUARIST: We're doing great on timing, everybody. AQUARIST: We're doing great on timing, everybody.
536 00:43:22,240 00:43:25,160 BOB: A very exciting day, cos it just brings that turtle BOB: A very exciting day, cos it just brings that turtle
537 00:43:25,280 00:43:28,360 one step closer to being released back into the wild. one step closer to being released back into the wild.
538 00:43:29,960 00:43:33,040 DAVID: These mass casualties of our changing oceans DAVID: These mass casualties of our changing oceans
539 00:43:33,160 00:43:37,040 are to be flown south, to Florida and beyond. are to be flown south, to Florida and beyond.
540 00:43:37,160 00:43:41,400 The future of this species depends on these young turtles... The future of this species depends on these young turtles...
541 00:43:41,520 00:43:42,840 - Ready. - All right! - Ready. - All right!
542 00:43:42,960 00:43:43,960 ...which will be released ...which will be released
543 00:43:44,080 00:43:48,000 into the warmer-water currents that they need to survive. into the warmer-water currents that they need to survive.
544 00:43:51,000 00:43:53,320 BOB: It's a very emotional day for everybody. BOB: It's a very emotional day for everybody.
545 00:43:53,440 00:43:56,120 These are turtles that staff and volunteers at the aquarium These are turtles that staff and volunteers at the aquarium
546 00:43:56,240 00:43:58,600 have worked so hard to get them to that point. have worked so hard to get them to that point.
547 00:44:18,800 00:44:22,640 DAVID: Changes in the ocean currents won't just harm turtles. DAVID: Changes in the ocean currents won't just harm turtles.
548 00:44:22,760 00:44:27,480 With heat, oxygen and nutrients moving more slowly around the globe, With heat, oxygen and nutrients moving more slowly around the globe,
549 00:44:27,600 00:44:30,720 the impact on all life could be dramatic. the impact on all life could be dramatic.
550 00:44:30,840 00:44:32,440 ASHA: I mean, we live in a world ASHA: I mean, we live in a world
551 00:44:32,560 00:44:35,760 where just one domino in a large game of dominoes, where just one domino in a large game of dominoes,
552 00:44:35,880 00:44:39,400 so you flick one piece, and you know what happens - everything starts to collapse. so you flick one piece, and you know what happens - everything starts to collapse.
553 00:44:39,520 00:44:42,120 And that's exactly what we start to see over time And that's exactly what we start to see over time
554 00:44:42,240 00:44:43,800 as these conveyor belts slow down. as these conveyor belts slow down.
555 00:44:47,920 00:44:52,920 DAVID: Human activity is destroying the balance of our perfect planet... DAVID: Human activity is destroying the balance of our perfect planet...
556 00:44:55,160 00:44:58,280 ...disturbing our oceans and disrupting our weather. ...disturbing our oceans and disrupting our weather.
557 00:44:59,440 00:45:02,720 But can we prevent the damage we're doing? But can we prevent the damage we're doing?
558 00:45:04,120 00:45:06,480 JEREMY: Now, the human population's at seven billion. JEREMY: Now, the human population's at seven billion.
559 00:45:06,600 00:45:08,440 It's moving to nine billion. It's moving to nine billion.
560 00:45:08,560 00:45:12,560 And the problem is, we're already using the equivalent of one and a half Earths. And the problem is, we're already using the equivalent of one and a half Earths.
561 00:45:15,320 00:45:16,840 It's not sustainable. It's not sustainable.
562 00:45:19,000 00:45:22,240 DAVID: Around 80% of the energy we use DAVID: Around 80% of the energy we use
563 00:45:22,360 00:45:26,440 still comes from burning fossil fuels. still comes from burning fossil fuels.
564 00:45:26,560 00:45:29,800 It's what makes us so dangerous. It's what makes us so dangerous.
565 00:45:31,080 00:45:35,320 We can reduce CO₂ emissions by consuming less We can reduce CO₂ emissions by consuming less
566 00:45:35,440 00:45:39,160 or reusing some of our resources. or reusing some of our resources.
567 00:45:39,280 00:45:41,680 But the biggest saving we could make But the biggest saving we could make
568 00:45:41,800 00:45:45,240 would be to stop using fossil fuels for our energy. would be to stop using fossil fuels for our energy.
569 00:45:46,320 00:45:48,320 And there are many people who think And there are many people who think
570 00:45:48,440 00:45:54,440 that we could exploit the natural forces of the planet to enable us to do that. that we could exploit the natural forces of the planet to enable us to do that.
571 00:45:58,680 00:46:01,920 JEREMY: The sun does not send us a bill. JEREMY: The sun does not send us a bill.
572 00:46:02,040 00:46:04,120 The wind has not invoiced us. The wind has not invoiced us.
573 00:46:07,800 00:46:12,040 Coal, oil, gas, uranium, they're expensive. Coal, oil, gas, uranium, they're expensive.
574 00:46:12,160 00:46:13,960 The sun and the wind is free. The sun and the wind is free.
575 00:46:18,920 00:46:23,400 ASHA: We live on a planet that's incredibly dynamic. ASHA: We live on a planet that's incredibly dynamic.
576 00:46:27,280 00:46:28,600 We all live in environments We all live in environments
577 00:46:28,720 00:46:31,520 where there is some source of energy that we can tap into. where there is some source of energy that we can tap into.
578 00:46:31,640 00:46:34,280 There's energy, there's power all around us. There's energy, there's power all around us.
579 00:46:39,680 00:46:42,720 And we need to start looking at And we need to start looking at
580 00:46:42,840 00:46:47,440 these natural sources of energy that don't have that negative impact. these natural sources of energy that don't have that negative impact.
581 00:46:53,840 00:46:57,400 JEREMY". We have more energy than we'll ever know what to do with. JEREMY". We have more energy than we'll ever know what to do with.
582 00:46:57,520 00:46:58,920 We can power the whole world We can power the whole world
583 00:46:59,040 00:47:04,160 with just a fraction of the solar and wind that we get every year - a fraction of it! with just a fraction of the solar and wind that we get every year - a fraction of it!
584 00:47:11,440 00:47:14,080 NIALL: We 're not going to start needing less power any time soon. NIALL: We 're not going to start needing less power any time soon.
585 00:47:14,200 00:47:17,240 We're just going to have to shift how we generate that power We're just going to have to shift how we generate that power
586 00:47:17,360 00:47:20,360 from non-renewables to renewables. from non-renewables to renewables.
587 00:47:26,600 00:47:27,960 DAVID: Volcanic heat. DAVID: Volcanic heat.
588 00:47:29,040 00:47:31,280 So far, we've only tapped So far, we've only tapped
589 00:47:31,400 00:47:34,160 some 7% of its global potential. some 7% of its global potential.
590 00:47:36,440 00:47:38,560 Or the wind in our skies. Or the wind in our skies.
591 00:47:40,080 00:47:41,880 That could provide That could provide
592 00:47:42,000 00:47:44,800 30% of our energy by 2050. 30% of our energy by 2050.
593 00:47:48,200 00:47:50,560 And the power of the sun, And the power of the sun,
594 00:47:50,680 00:47:53,960 which is virtually unlimited. which is virtually unlimited.
595 00:47:55,640 00:47:59,480 In areas where most life struggles to survive... In areas where most life struggles to survive...
596 00:48:01,000 00:48:05,960 ...there is plenty of space to gather the maximum solar energy. ...there is plenty of space to gather the maximum solar energy.
597 00:48:08,200 00:48:14,360 The northern Sahara, home to the world's largest concentrated solar power plant. The northern Sahara, home to the world's largest concentrated solar power plant.
598 00:48:18,800 00:48:21,080 Here, innovative technology Here, innovative technology
599 00:48:21,200 00:48:24,320 is using mirrors to superheat a special liquid is using mirrors to superheat a special liquid
600 00:48:24,440 00:48:28,800 to around 400 degrees Celsius. to around 400 degrees Celsius.
601 00:48:28,920 00:48:31,200 This heat is then stored in molten salt, This heat is then stored in molten salt,
602 00:48:31,320 00:48:36,200 allowing something not possible before, allowing something not possible before,
603 00:48:36,320 00:48:41,400 the ability to power steam turbines with the sun's energy during the night. the ability to power steam turbines with the sun's energy during the night.
604 00:48:42,480 00:48:46,000 It creates green electricity 24 hours a day, It creates green electricity 24 hours a day,
605 00:48:46,120 00:48:49,240 feeding Morocco's growing energy needs. feeding Morocco's growing energy needs.
606 00:48:51,120 00:48:53,720 And it has plans to supply Europe. And it has plans to supply Europe.
607 00:48:55,080 00:48:57,800 NIALL: We need to make enormous shifts in our society. NIALL: We need to make enormous shifts in our society.
608 00:48:57,920 00:48:59,720 This is starting, This is starting,
609 00:48:59,840 00:49:01,840 but it's happening just in small places. but it's happening just in small places.
610 00:49:01,960 00:49:05,760 It needs to happen everywhere, and it needs to happen much, much faster. It needs to happen everywhere, and it needs to happen much, much faster.
611 00:49:05,880 00:49:07,920 There's really no excuse. There's really no excuse.
612 00:49:08,040 00:49:09,960 The Earth has all of the power we need. The Earth has all of the power we need.
613 00:49:10,080 00:49:11,520 (BIRDSONG) (BIRDSONG)
614 00:49:11,640 00:49:13,920 JEREMY". Our mission is not growth, growth, growth, JEREMY". Our mission is not growth, growth, growth,
615 00:49:14,040 00:49:15,800 but sustainability, but sustainability,
616 00:49:15,920 00:49:20,920 and that our responsibility is to steward this planet. and that our responsibility is to steward this planet.
617 00:49:21,040 00:49:22,120 That's the mission at hand. That's the mission at hand.
618 00:49:24,520 00:49:29,120 DAVID: But is this transition to a low-carbon society happening fast enough? DAVID: But is this transition to a low-carbon society happening fast enough?
619 00:49:35,160 00:49:39,000 In 2015, 195 of the world's nations In 2015, 195 of the world's nations
620 00:49:39,120 00:49:43,480 pledged to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. pledged to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.
621 00:49:46,440 00:49:49,000 To avoid planetary disaster, To avoid planetary disaster,
622 00:49:49,120 00:49:54,280 the goal was to limit the warming of the Earth to well below two degrees. the goal was to limit the warming of the Earth to well below two degrees.
623 00:49:54,400 00:49:56,120 (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
624 00:49:56,240 00:49:58,200 JOHN KERRY: Together; citizens of the world, JOHN KERRY: Together; citizens of the world,
625 00:49:58,320 00:50:01,840 we will work to save our planet from ourselves. we will work to save our planet from ourselves.
626 00:50:04,480 00:50:09,000 BARACK OBAMA: Today's a historic day in the fight to protect our planet. BARACK OBAMA: Today's a historic day in the fight to protect our planet.
627 00:50:09,120 00:50:12,000 LEONARDO DICAPRiO: You'll either be lauded by future generations... LEONARDO DICAPRiO: You'll either be lauded by future generations...
628 00:50:13,360 00:50:14,960 ...or vilified by them. ...or vilified by them.
629 00:50:18,360 00:50:20,480 DAVID: To get an accurate reading DAVID: To get an accurate reading
630 00:50:20,600 00:50:22,560 of CO₂ levels in the Earth's atmosphere, of CO₂ levels in the Earth's atmosphere,
631 00:50:22,680 00:50:26,640 you must be far away from the pollution of the cities. you must be far away from the pollution of the cities.
632 00:50:26,760 00:50:29,000 So in the heart of the Amazon, So in the heart of the Amazon,
633 00:50:29,120 00:50:34,840 they built a 325-metre tower to do just that. they built a 325-metre tower to do just that.
634 00:50:34,960 00:50:40,400 It's one of a number of towers around the planet collecting vital data, It's one of a number of towers around the planet collecting vital data,
635 00:50:40,520 00:50:42,960 and the news is not good. and the news is not good.
636 00:50:43,080 00:50:45,800 This year, CO₂ levels in the atmosphere This year, CO₂ levels in the atmosphere
637 00:50:45,920 00:50:50,080 went up yet again, hitting another record high. went up yet again, hitting another record high.
638 00:50:55,040 00:50:57,800 ASHA: I think we are in a crisis. I'm not going to mince my words. ASHA: I think we are in a crisis. I'm not going to mince my words.
639 00:50:57,920 00:50:59,680 We are in a crisis right now. We are in a crisis right now.
640 00:50:59,800 00:51:03,320 NIALL: We are pushing the equilibrium that the planet used to be in NIALL: We are pushing the equilibrium that the planet used to be in
641 00:51:03,440 00:51:05,640 in a way that may be unrecoverable. in a way that may be unrecoverable.
642 00:51:08,440 00:51:10,240 JEREMY: Ana' what the scientists are telling us is, JEREMY: Ana' what the scientists are telling us is,
643 00:51:10,360 00:51:14,520 we will face a runaway cascade of environmental events we will face a runaway cascade of environmental events
644 00:51:14,640 00:51:19,240 feeding off each other, taking us into an unknown abyss feeding off each other, taking us into an unknown abyss
645 00:51:19,360 00:51:23,200 that could lead to a very quick mass extinction of much of life on this Earth that could lead to a very quick mass extinction of much of life on this Earth
646 00:51:23,320 00:51:25,520 in a very, very short period of time. in a very, very short period of time.
647 00:51:27,600 00:51:29,880 DAVID: Species are becoming extinct DAVID: Species are becoming extinct
648 00:51:30,000 00:51:33,800 around one hundred times faster than the normal rate. around one hundred times faster than the normal rate.
649 00:51:33,920 00:51:39,520 So rapid is the loss that zoos around the world are taking drastic action. So rapid is the loss that zoos around the world are taking drastic action.
650 00:51:41,360 00:51:45,880 They're collecting DNA from endangered species to build They're collecting DNA from endangered species to build
651 00:51:46,000 00:51:48,280 a genetic store of life before they go extinct. a genetic store of life before they go extinct.
652 00:51:50,400 00:51:54,400 At Edinburgh Zoo, a health check on a Diana monkey At Edinburgh Zoo, a health check on a Diana monkey
653 00:51:54,520 00:51:55,760 presents a valuable opportunity presents a valuable opportunity
654 00:51:55,880 00:52:01,520 to collect a sample for the European network of biobanks. to collect a sample for the European network of biobanks.
655 00:52:06,040 00:52:11,240 MARLYS HOUCK: We really feel the pressure to bank as many species as we can MARLYS HOUCK: We really feel the pressure to bank as many species as we can
656 00:52:11,360 00:52:15,440 as fast as we can, before it's too late. as fast as we can, before it's too late.
657 00:52:15,560 00:52:18,280 DAVID: Marlys Houck at San Diego Zoo DAVID: Marlys Houck at San Diego Zoo
658 00:52:18,400 00:52:22,320 receives DNA samples from all over the world. receives DNA samples from all over the world.
659 00:52:23,800 00:52:26,800 She's taking them to a secure vault. She's taking them to a secure vault.
660 00:52:30,480 00:52:34,120 It's known as the Frozen Zoo. It's known as the Frozen Zoo.
661 00:52:34,240 00:52:36,040 MARLYS: It's hard to imagine, MARLYS: It's hard to imagine,
662 00:52:36,160 00:52:39,000 but there's probably more vertebrate life in that room but there's probably more vertebrate life in that room
663 00:52:39,120 00:52:40,960 than anywhere else on the planet. than anywhere else on the planet.
664 00:52:44,960 00:52:48,200 We get samples every day. It might be a tiger, We get samples every day. It might be a tiger,
665 00:52:48,320 00:52:51,720 it might be a bear, it might be a rare reptile. it might be a bear, it might be a rare reptile.
666 00:52:53,320 00:52:58,400 Right now, we have over 10,000 individuals represented. Right now, we have over 10,000 individuals represented.
667 00:53:03,120 00:53:05,880 DAVID: The living cells of our world's rarest animals DAVID: The living cells of our world's rarest animals
668 00:53:06,000 00:53:10,320 are being stored here at minus 200 degrees Celsius... are being stored here at minus 200 degrees Celsius...
669 00:53:12,400 00:53:16,600 ...keeping their DNA viable indefinitely, ...keeping their DNA viable indefinitely,
670 00:53:16,720 00:53:18,640 just in case the worst happens. just in case the worst happens.
671 00:53:20,720 00:53:24,360 There are multiple frozen zoos like this around the world, There are multiple frozen zoos like this around the world,
672 00:53:24,480 00:53:26,680 and with extinction rates so high, and with extinction rates so high,
673 00:53:26,800 00:53:30,080 they might be needed sooner than we thought. they might be needed sooner than we thought.
674 00:53:34,000 00:53:36,720 MARLYS: I hope that we never have to see MARLYS: I hope that we never have to see
675 00:53:36,840 00:53:40,200 extinction of some of these amazing species. extinction of some of these amazing species.
676 00:53:43,680 00:53:46,080 But if we do, the samples in the Frozen Zoo But if we do, the samples in the Frozen Zoo
677 00:53:46,200 00:53:50,000 might be the hope for bringing them back, so that... might be the hope for bringing them back, so that...
678 00:53:50,120 00:53:52,800 ...our children and grandchildren ...our children and grandchildren
679 00:53:52,920 00:53:55,160 could once again could once again
680 00:53:55,280 00:53:57,760 see the actual animals. see the actual animals.
681 00:53:57,880 00:54:02,240 IZZY: Not knowing what the planet will be like when I'm an adult, IZZY: Not knowing what the planet will be like when I'm an adult,
682 00:54:02,360 00:54:04,680 not knowing whether it will be capable of sustaining life, not knowing whether it will be capable of sustaining life,
683 00:54:04,800 00:54:07,720 that is a terrifying thing to face. that is a terrifying thing to face.
684 00:54:11,760 00:54:13,680 OLIVER: I think the planet that I've been born into OLIVER: I think the planet that I've been born into
685 00:54:13,800 00:54:16,040 is the most beautiful place that I could ever imagine. is the most beautiful place that I could ever imagine.
686 00:54:16,160 00:54:19,160 It's full of amazing wildlife... It's full of amazing wildlife...
687 00:54:19,280 00:54:22,200 ...and us - humans are incredible. ...and us - humans are incredible.
688 00:54:24,360 00:54:28,760 But we seem to forget that the place that we live in is finite But we seem to forget that the place that we live in is finite
689 00:54:28,880 00:54:33,360 and very vulnerable, and it seems to be dying before our eyes. and very vulnerable, and it seems to be dying before our eyes.
690 00:54:39,800 00:54:43,560 SOPHIA: Since the age often, I've been hearing about our warming world, SOPHIA: Since the age often, I've been hearing about our warming world,
691 00:54:43,680 00:54:45,200 but nothing was really clone at that time - but nothing was really clone at that time -
692 00:54:45,320 00:54:48,040 all I observed at that time is sort of mass apathy. all I observed at that time is sort of mass apathy.
693 00:54:51,720 00:54:53,760 But what is positive is that the youth But what is positive is that the youth
694 00:54:53,880 00:54:55,520 are standing up and are taking leadership. are standing up and are taking leadership.
695 00:54:55,640 00:54:57,280 (CHANTING) Save our planet! (CHANTING) Save our planet!
696 00:54:57,400 00:54:59,400 Save our planet! Save our planet!
697 00:54:59,520 00:55:01,280 Save our planet! Save our planet!
698 00:55:01,400 00:55:02,760 DIONNE: We need more people to care. DIONNE: We need more people to care.
699 00:55:02,880 00:55:05,440 We need more people to look at the facts and say, We need more people to look at the facts and say,
700 00:55:05,560 00:55:07,360 "I will do something about this." "I will do something about this."
701 00:55:09,840 00:55:11,800 - Whose future? - Our future! - Whose future? - Our future!
702 00:55:11,920 00:55:13,400 - Whose planet? - Our planet! - Whose planet? - Our planet!
703 00:55:13,520 00:55:14,520 Whose future? Whose future?
704 00:55:14,640 00:55:19,080 IZZY: 50 we need to think about how we interact with the natural World. IZZY: 50 we need to think about how we interact with the natural World.
705 00:55:19,200 00:55:21,280 We need to view it not as a commodity We need to view it not as a commodity
706 00:55:21,400 00:55:24,160 but as a system that we are a part of... but as a system that we are a part of...
707 00:55:33,800 00:55:35,760 ...because we are inextricably linked ...because we are inextricably linked
708 00:55:35,880 00:55:38,200 to the natural world, and whatever happens to the natural world, and whatever happens
709 00:55:38,320 00:55:40,000 to the oceans, to the oceans,
710 00:55:40,120 00:55:42,880 whatever happens to the forests, whatever happens to the forests,
711 00:55:43,000 00:55:45,960 whatever happens to the deserts, that will come back whatever happens to the deserts, that will come back
712 00:55:46,080 00:55:47,840 and it will happen to us. and it will happen to us.
713 00:56:01,560 00:56:04,840 DAVID: Right now, we have the capacity and knowledge DAVID: Right now, we have the capacity and knowledge
714 00:56:04,960 00:56:07,240 to stop the damage we are doing. to stop the damage we are doing.
715 00:56:09,280 00:56:11,080 But what we don't have But what we don't have
716 00:56:11,200 00:56:12,880 is time. is time.
717 00:56:14,280 00:56:17,000 My inspiration and hope for the future My inspiration and hope for the future
718 00:56:17,120 00:56:20,880 lies with the next generation. lies with the next generation.
719 00:56:21,000 00:56:25,520 But we all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprints, But we all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprints,
720 00:56:25,640 00:56:28,200 harness the forces of nature for our energy harness the forces of nature for our energy
721 00:56:28,320 00:56:31,240 and protect the natural world. and protect the natural world.
722 00:56:31,360 00:56:36,480 The survival of humanity and our fellow creatures on Earth depends upon it. The survival of humanity and our fellow creatures on Earth depends upon it.
723 00:56:38,040 00:56:42,760 Do you want to be the last generation that signed the death certificate of humanity? Do you want to be the last generation that signed the death certificate of humanity?
724 00:56:42,880 00:56:46,360 Do you want to be the generation that sees the last elephant killed? Do you want to be the generation that sees the last elephant killed?
725 00:56:46,480 00:56:50,120 Do you want to be the generation that sees the last fish fished out of the sea? Do you want to be the generation that sees the last fish fished out of the sea?
726 00:56:50,240 00:56:53,680 Or do you want to be the generation and the individuals that turned it around? Or do you want to be the generation and the individuals that turned it around?
727 00:56:53,800 00:56:56,920 This is the single most serious moment This is the single most serious moment
728 00:56:57,040 00:57:01,960 in the 200,000 years that our species has been on this Earth. in the 200,000 years that our species has been on this Earth.
729 00:57:02,080 00:57:03,800 I see reason to hope. I see reason to hope.
730 00:57:04,800 00:57:07,080 And I think we can. And I think we can.
731 00:57:07,200 00:57:11,520 I think we, humans, we are incredibly intelligent animals, I think we, humans, we are incredibly intelligent animals,
732 00:57:11,640 00:57:12,840 and we can, and we can,
733 00:57:12,960 00:57:14,280 and we will, and we will,
734 00:57:14,400 00:57:16,280 if we set our minds to it. if we set our minds to it.