Human Planet Season 1 Episode 6
Human Planet
Season 1

Ep 6. Deserts: Life In The Furnace

  • TV-PG
  • April 24, 2011
  • 49 min
  • 8.5  (435)

Deserts: Life In The Furnace is the sixth episode in the first season of the critically acclaimed show, Human Planet. In this episode, viewers are transported to some of the harshest and most unforgiving environments on the planet - the deserts.

From the Sahara to the Sonoran, this episode explores how people have adapted to life in these barren and inhospitable landscapes. The show features a range of different cultures, from the Bedouin nomads of the Arabian Peninsula to the Aboriginal communities of central Australia.

One of the key themes of the episode is the importance of water in these extreme environments. The program demonstrates how people have learned to find and conserve water in the desert, using ingenious methods such as digging wells or capturing rainwater. We see the Tuareg people of the Sahara on their annual pilgrimage to a remote well deep in the desert, and the Afar people of Ethiopia mining for salt in one of the hottest places on Earth.

Another focus of the episode is the relationship between humans and animals in the desert. We witness the traditional hunting techniques of the San people of southern Africa, who rely on their intimate knowledge of the Kalahari Desert's animal inhabitants to track down prey. We also see how the Bedouin people use camels for transport and milk, and how they have developed a deep connection with these resilient animals over centuries of desert living.

The episode also highlights the dangers of life in the desert. We learn about the devastating sandstorms that can whip up out of nowhere, burying everything in their path, as well as the deadly creatures like scorpions and snakes that lurk in the sands. The program tells the story of a young Himba woman in Namibia who is bitten by a venomous snake and has to travel for hours across the desert to receive medical attention.

Overall, the episode is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of people who have learned to thrive in one of the toughest environments on Earth. The program provides a rich and varied portrait of desert life, showcasing the incredible resilience and resourcefulness of human beings in the face of extreme adversity.

For those who have been following the series, this episode is sure to be a standout, providing a unique perspective on the ways in which humans adapt and cope with life in the most challenging environments. Full of stunning visuals and compelling personal stories, Deserts: Life In The Furnace is a must-watch for anyone interested in the human experience and our incredible capacity for survival and adaptation.

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Description
  • First Aired
    April 24, 2011
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    49 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.5  (435)