Ep 17. Polar Apocalypse
- January 31, 2007
In Naked Science season 3 episode 17, viewers are taken on a journey to explore an apocalyptic scenario that is unique to the polar regions. The episode titled "Polar Apocalypse" examines the impact of climate change on the polar regions and how it is affecting the world, as we know it.
The episode starts by exploring the Arctic Circle, which is home to some of the most unique ecosystems on Earth. From the icy glaciers to the frozen tundras, the Arctic Circle is a delicate balance of complex ecosystems that are being disrupted by the changing climate. The show explains how the Arctic's permafrost is melting, releasing trapped methane gases from the ground. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, responsible for warming up the planet and exacerbating climate change.
Scientists are observing the permafrost melting at an alarming rate, and as permafrost thaws, it releases ancient viruses and bacteria that have been trapped deep beneath the ice for thousands of years. The show explains how scientists are working hard to study these ancient viruses and bacteria to better understand their impact on modern-day humans.
As the Narrator describes the situation, viewers are taken to Greenland's ice sheet, which is home to the world's second-largest ice sheet, behind Antarctica. The melting of ice sheets has been a significant contributor to the rise in sea levels, and scientists are closely monitoring the situation. The episode explains how scientists are using drones and laser scanners to study the ice's composition and how it is changing.
The show then travels to the Antartica, where scientists are studying the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, which contains enough ice to cause a ten-foot rise in sea levels if it were to melt entirely. The episode further explains how scientists are studying the Thwaites Glacier, one of the world's most critical glaciers and a potential risk for the future of the planet.
The episode also examines the impact of melting ice on ocean currents. The melting of ice in the Arctic Circle has changed the ocean's temperature and affected the circulation of ocean currents. The show explains how changes in ocean currents could cause extreme weather conditions, affect fisheries, and have a massive impact on the global economy.
The episode provides viewers with valuable insights into how the changing climate is affecting the polar regions and what the potential impact could be on the world. The show features interviews with leading climate scientists and researchers who explain the science behind the situation and what can be done to mitigate its impact.
Overall, "Polar Apocalypse" is a fascinating and informative episode that offers insights into how climate change is affecting the polar regions and what the future could hold for the planet. The show provides a sobering account of the challenges humanity faces in the face of a rapidly changing climate and how we must work together to find solutions to this global issue.
