Wednesday, April 22 at 8 p.m.— On Earth Day, PBS will premiere a compelling new documentary, “Climate Change—The Facts,” presenting scientific evidence of the impact of global warming. The program also examines possible solutions to the crisis, including the latest innovations, technology and actions individuals can take to prevent further damage. The one-hour special, hosted by natural historian Sir David Attenborough, premieres Wednesday, April 22 at 8 p.m. (check local listings) on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS Video App.
“Climate Change — The Facts” brings together leading climate scientists who explain what might happen if global warming increases 1.5 degrees. Experts examine the consequences of rising temperatures on ice sheets, fragile ecosystems, developing communities and extreme weather events. Personal accounts of California wildfires, extreme coastal flooding in Louisiana and increasing temperatures in Australia paint vivid pictures of these devastating effects.
“In the 20 years since I first started talking about the impact of climate change on our world, conditions have changed far faster than I ever imagined,” said Sir David Attenborough. “It may sound frightening, but the scientific evidence is that if we have not taken dramatic action within the next decade, we could face irreversible damage to the natural world and the collapse of our societies. We’re running out of time, but there is still hope.”
The program warns of potential tipping points that could trigger further catastrophic events, such as methane gas escaping from melting lakes in the Arctic. While these scenarios are discouraging, the program also inspires individuals to take action and make a difference. Experts offer hope that changes can be made in the next decade to reduce CO2 emissions and limit further damage. These include increased advocacy, advances in alternative energy technologies and innovative solutions to capture existing carbon dioxide.
Researchers from around the world provide global context to the crisis in “Climate Change — The Facts.” Featured experts include Dr. James Hansen, former director of NASA Goddard Institute for Science Studies; Professor Naomi Oreskes, science historian at Harvard University; Professor Michael Mann, climate scientist at Penn State University; Richard Black, director of the UK Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit; Professor Andrew Shepherd, climate scientist at The University of Leeds, Sunita Narain, director general of India’s Centre for Science and Environment; and Greta Thunberg, Swedish teenage climate advocate and Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
Earth Day 2020
Join PBS this Earth Day, April 22, 8 – 11 p.m. (check local listings), for a night of environmental programs featuring scientists as they chase clues to gain a greater understanding of our planet. Follow scientists in “Climate Change — The Facts”, as they explore what could happen to our planet if global warming exceeds 1.5 degrees. Discover how water underpins every aspect of our existence in “H2O: The Molecule that Made Us ‘Flow.’” Uncover how colossal floods violently reshaped the ancient world alongside geologists in NOVA “Killer Floods.”
