NOVA Season 21 Episode 20 Can China Kick the Habit?

Can China Kick the Habit? is the 20th episode of the 21st season of the critically acclaimed science documentary series, NOVA. The episode addresses one of the biggest environmental challenges faced by China – its deadly addiction to coal.

China is the world's largest consumer of coal, and the environmental costs of this addiction are staggering. The country chokes under a blanket of smog that is attributed to coal, and people suffer from a range of health issues, including respiratory problems and lung cancer. The reliance on coal also contributes to global warming, making China one of the biggest emitters of carbon dioxide in the world.

The episode explores the efforts of the Chinese government and scientists to reduce the country's dependence on coal and shift to cleaner energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro. The documentary follows several experts in the field who are working to develop new technologies, such as advanced batteries, smart grids, and superconducting power cables, that can make renewable energy more reliable and affordable.

The show points out that China has made remarkable progress in the last few years in ramping up its renewable energy capacity, installing more wind turbines and solar panels than any other country in the world. However, the scale of the challenge is immense, and the transition to a low-carbon economy is fraught with political, economic, and technical challenges.

The episode also highlights the role of international cooperation in tackling this global problem. China has sought partnerships with other countries to share best practices, fund research, and promote clean energy technologies. The show discusses the role of the United States in this effort and how the Trump administration's pullback from global climate leadership has left a void that China is eager to fill.

The episode examines the potential economic benefits of transitioning to cleaner energy for China. The show explains how renewable energy can create new jobs, attract foreign investment, and reduce the country's dependence on imported fossil fuels. The documentary also explores the economic risks of continued reliance on coal, such as rising health costs, environmental damage, and stranded assets.

The show includes interviews with a range of experts, from government officials to scientists to environmental activists. The documentary uses stunning visuals and graphics to explain complex technologies and data, making it both informative and engaging. The show's host, a leading science journalist, guides the audience through the intricate web of challenges and opportunities facing China as it seeks to kick the coal habit.

Overall, Can China Kick the Habit? is an insightful and thought-provoking examination of one of the most urgent environmental problems of our time. The show presents a balanced and nuanced view of the issues, highlighting both the progress made by China and the obstacles that remain in the way of a sustainable energy future. The documentary offers hope that, with concerted action and international cooperation, we can overcome the challenge of climate change and create a cleaner, healthier planet.