Ep 8. Cities: Surviving the Urban Jungle

Human Planet is a documentary series that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. In season 1 episode 8, titled Cities: Surviving the Urban Jungle, the show examines how people from different cultures survive and thrive in some of the world's biggest and most challenging cities.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey across the globe to cities such as Mumbai, Tokyo, and Mexico City. From towering skyscrapers to densely packed slums, these cities are home to millions of people from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic classes.

One of the key themes of the episode is the resourcefulness and adaptability of urban dwellers. Despite living in often inhospitable environments, the people featured in the show find ways to make the most of their surroundings and build communities. For instance, in Mumbai's Dharavi slum, a group of women have created a thriving business recycling plastic waste. Similarly, in the hills of Caracas, Venezuela, urban farmers grow crops on rooftops and in the narrow alleyways between buildings.

Another focus of the episode is the challenges that come with living in an urban environment. From environmental pollution to overcrowding, these cities can be tough places to live. In Tokyo, for example, the ballooning population has led to extreme competition for housing, with some people resorting to renting spaces as small as a coffin.

Despite these challenges, the episode emphasizes the resilience of urban communities and the ways people work together to create solutions. In Rio de Janeiro, for instance, a group of residents have created a network of community patrols to combat crime in their neighborhood. And in Mexico City, artists have transformed a former garbage dump into a vibrant community space.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of bustling streets, towering buildings, and vibrant cultural scenes. But beneath the surface, Human Planet also highlights the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people living in cities around the world. Whether it's the ingenuity of Mumbai's recyclers or the resilience of Tokyo's residents, this episode offers a fascinating look at the complex relationship between humans and the urban jungle.