David Attenborough Tells It Like It Is On The Discovery Channel Wednesday August 1 From 8 - 11 PM and 11 - 2 AM EDT Also Sunday August 5, 12 noon - 3 PM
In spite of the current U.S. president's increasingly isolationist view of his country, the state of our planet is arguably a much more pertinent subject for the rest of us than the state of the union. It is audacious and anachronistic not to consider the effect of our actions on Earth as a whole. British subject Sir David Attenborough, the natural historian who makes documentary films that introduce humans to the habits of our neighboring species, has taken it upon himself to address the world via his latest TV series, State of the Planet. In spite of the planet's rich biodiversity, Attenborough's lifelong study of plants and animals has led him to the increasingly obvious conclusion that we are on the brink of Earth's sixth mass extinction. However, this one differs from the previous five in that it is precipitated by the actions of a single, hyper-successful species: us. What have we done? Attenborough illustrates the five ways humans contribute to the extinction of other species. First, we over-harvest plants and animals. We cause damage to ecosystems by introducing alien species that disrupt native ecosystems. The single most damaging thing we do is destroy habitats, which also creates a related problem, the "islandization" of habitats. Last, we pollute the atmosphere. While Attenborough tells the sad state of affairs as they are, the series is not the kind of sheer doom and gloom that frightens many people away from confronting environmental issues. It's educational and fascinating, providing historical perspective as well. For example, Attenborough explains how the mysterious Anasazi people of the Southwest disappeared because they destroyed their habitat by using too much water, leaving a previously hospitable landscape a desert, incapable of sustaining human life. The people of Easter Island also used up all their natural resources. And the series is peppered with Attenborough's trademark delight in introducing us to amazing, adaptive creatures throughout the world. Scientist stars such as biologist Edward O. Wilson and marine biologist Sylvia Earl serve as guest commentators throughout. The final film in the trilogy focuses on solutions: changes in human attitudes and practices to work toward sustainability. The next 50 to 100 years are crucial. How we treat the planet during that time will determine the future of life on Earth. Without a major adjustment to our rapacious consumption habits, more than half of all species will become endangered or go extinct in the next century, says Attenborough. Aside from aesthetic and altruistic motivations, from a selfish point of view, our quality of life and even human survival are at stake. Attenborough recommends that we structure our economies around conservation. Instead of rich countries paying poor countries for their plundered natural resources, the rich must pay the poor to conserve by developing ecotourism and sustainable industries. Attenborough maintains that it is our responsibility to ourselves and to future generations to change our world through society, economics, and politics. The show premieres August 1, 2001, from 8 to 11 p.m. on the Discovery Channel. Sure, three hours is a big investment in television. But think of it as a night at a really long movie. Only this one - instead of being a shallow, overblown Hollywood indulgence - will scare you, entertain you, make you think, and give you hope. Source: http://www.enn.com/news/enn-stories/2001/07/07312001/planet_44471.asp
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