Frontline Season 9 Episode 2

Frontline Season 9 Episode 2 Decade of Destruction Part 1: Ashes of Forest

  • September 18, 1990

Decade of Destruction Part 1: Ashes of Forest is the second episode of the ninth season of the iconic investigative documentary series Frontline. The episode delves into the issues of deforestation, wildfires, and climate change that have ravaged our planet over the last decade. The episode is the first in a two-part series that explores various aspects of the ecological crisis that is unfolding before our eyes.

The episode opens with stunning visuals of wildfires blazing across California, Australia, and the Amazon rainforest. The camera pans over miles and miles of burnt forests, and we hear the grim statistics of the damage done by these fires. We learn that over the last decade, wildfires have become more frequent, intense, and destructive due to climate change, drought, and poor forest management.

The episode then travels to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where we meet the Indigenous tribes who have been living in harmony with nature for centuries. We learn about their way of life, their cultural traditions, and their fight to protect their ancestral lands from timber companies, soybean farmers, and illegal loggers. We hear from environmental activists who have been working with these tribes to preserve the Amazon rainforest, which is often called the lungs of the earth.

Next, the episode turns its attention to Indonesia, which has lost a staggering amount of its rainforest due to deforestation. We see images of vast swaths of land cleared for palm oil plantations, and we hear about the impact this has had on the local communities, wildlife, and climate. We learn that Indonesia is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world due to its slash-and-burn agriculture, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming.

The episode also takes us to California, where we meet the firefighters who have been battling the wildfires that have become a regular occurrence in recent years. We hear their stories of bravery and sacrifice, and we learn about the challenges they face in a changing climate that makes wildfires more unpredictable and dangerous. We also hear about the impact of these fires on the communities that have been affected, and the struggles they face in rebuilding their lives.

Throughout the episode, we hear from experts in the fields of ecology, conservation, and climate science. They provide insights into the causes and consequences of deforestation, wildfires, and climate change, and they offer possible solutions for addressing these issues. We also see footage from satellite imagery and other sources that illustrate the extent of the damage done to our planet over the last decade.

Decade of Destruction Part 1: Ashes of Forest is a powerful and urgent documentary that highlights the ecological crisis that we are facing as a planet. It is a wake-up call for viewers to take action to protect our natural world, to support the communities that are fighting to preserve it, and to hold those responsible for its destruction accountable. It is a must-watch for anyone who cares about the future of our planet and the generations to come.

This episode doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services, but watch free movies on Watch Now
Add this show to your Watchlist to get notified when new episodes are available.
Description
  • First Aired
    September 18, 1990
  • Language
    English