Ep 1. Rivers and Oceans

Human Planet is a BBC documentary series that explores the relationship between human beings and the natural world. The first season is comprised of eight episodes, each focusing on a different environment in which humans have adapted and thrived.

The first episode, titled "Rivers and Oceans," takes viewers on a journey to some of the most extreme aquatic environments on Earth. From the icy waters of the Arctic Circle to the sweltering rivers of the Amazon rainforest, humans have found ways to make these environments their home.

The episode starts with a look at the Inuit people of the Canadian Arctic, who rely on the frozen seas for their livelihood. We see a hunter setting out on the ice to catch seal, a source of food and clothing for generations of Inuit. The hunter uses a specialized harpoon and kayak to navigate the treacherous ice flows, and the camera captures stunning shots of the expansive Arctic landscape.

Next, we travel to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, where villagers use the local rivers to transport goods and build their homes. We watch as men and women wade through the shallow waters, carrying bundles of grass for roofing materials and piles of mud for building. The camera captures the intricate network of waterways that criss-cross the islands, highlighting the deep bond between the people and their environment.

Moving on to the Amazon Basin, we meet the Bajo people of Peru, who live on floating houses and farm the flooded forests. The river rises and falls dramatically each year, flooding the forest and creating a unique ecosystem. The Bajo have learned to adapt to this cyclical pattern, building their homes on stilts and using canoes to navigate the swollen waters. We watch as they fish for piranha and collect turtles, relying on the rich resources of the forest to sustain their way of life.

The episode also takes viewers to the deserts of Australia, where the Warlpiri people have lived for thousands of years. We see the importance of water in this arid environment, as the Warlpiri dig for water in dry creek beds and rely on the wells dug by their ancestors. We witness a group of Warlpiri women embarking on a perilous journey to find a new water source, walking for miles in the searing heat with only a few supplies.

Throughout the episode, we see the ingenuity and resilience of humans in adapting to these aquatic environments. From building floating homes to inventing specialized fishing gear, people have found ways to not just survive, but thrive in some of the most challenging environments on the planet.

In addition to the stunning cinematography and captivating storytelling, "Rivers and Oceans" also offers interesting insights on the fragile relationship between humans and their environment. We see how climate change and overfishing are threatening the traditional ways of life depicted in the episode, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices.

Overall, the first episode of Human Planet sets the stage for what promises to be an incredible exploration of the human experience. By showcasing the ways in which humans have adapted and thrived in diverse environments, the series offers a unique perspective on our connection to the natural world.