Changing the World Season 1 Episode 5 Environment

Changing the World is a documentary series that seeks to showcase individuals and organizations making a positive difference in various aspects of daily life. Season 1, episode 5 titled Environment looks at the impact of human activities on the planet and showcases some of the innovative solutions people are coming up with to protect the environment.

The episode begins with a look at the devastating effects of climate change. The audience is taken on a journey through drought-stricken areas, flooded cities, and areas ravaged by wildfires, all of which are examples of the impacts of our wasteful and unsustainable use of resources. The narrator highlights the fact that these problems are not going away and that they will only get worse if nothing is done to change them.

Next, the episode highlights a few of the global efforts that have been put in place to reduce the carbon footprint of human activities. For instance, the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming below two degrees Celsius, is discussed. The audience is shown footage of the negotiations and talks that led to the agreement, and the narrator points out how forward-thinking countries recognize the urgency of climate change.

Later in the episode, the focus shifts to some of the individual actions that can be taken to safeguard the environment. For example, the audience is shown how use of renewable energy like solar power can be adopted at home and at work. The audience is also told about the different forms of renewable energy such as wind, hydro, and geothermal. The narrator points out that if everyone did their part in adopting sustainable practices, there would be a significant reduction in the volume of harmful greenhouse gases being released.

Another issue tackled by the episode is the impact of single-use plastics on the environment. The audience is shown images of plastic bags, bottles, and packaging carelessly thrown into rivers, streams, and landfills. The episode highlights how these materials take hundreds if not thousands of years to degrade, and contribute to damaging consequences like pollution that harm aquatic life and other animals.

To resolve this, the episode showcases innovative efforts by organizations that have come up with alternatives to plastics and those who have found ways to recycle them. For instance, a company is presented that has developed a biodegradable material made of cassava waste, which can replace plastic bags. Other solutions like proper waste management and ocean clean-up efforts are also covered.

The audience is also treated to some inspiring success stories of ordinary people who have made significant strides in protecting the environment. One such story follows a woman who started a community garden in a desert area and introduced sustainable farming practices that have led to the growth of crops that can survive the harsh conditions. Another story follows teenagers involved in innovative climate action in their schools and communities.

As the episode comes to a close, the narration emphasizes why taking action towards protecting the environment should be a priority. Humans and other life forms depend on resources that come from the environment for survival, and the use of these resources without replenishment would have devastating consequences. Therefore, the audience is encouraged to consider their own actions and see how they can contribute to environmental protection even in small ways like adopting more sustainable practices.

Overall, Changing the World season 1 episode 5 offers viewers an insightful look into environmental conservation, highlighting the issues at hand, the global efforts to combat them, and some of the innovative solutions at work. It inspires viewers to change their behavior and get involved in protecting the environment.