Ep 2. Frozen Worlds

Frozen Worlds, the second installment of Our Planet season 1, takes viewers on a journey to the coldest and most inhospitable regions of the planet. From towering ice sheets in the Arctic to the windswept expanses of Antarctica, this episode offers an up-close look at the incredible ecosystems and the hardy wildlife that call these frozen landscapes home.

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the episode begins in the high Arctic, where a team of scientists are studying the impact of climate change on the region's ice sheet. They use sophisticated tools to measure the thickness of the ice, and their findings reveal the alarming rate at which the ice is melting. This has grave implications for the polar bears that hunt on the ice, who are struggling to find enough food as the ice disappears.

Moving south to Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, the episode shows us the fascinating behavior of Steller's sea eagles, one of the largest eagles in the world. These giant birds of prey have adapted to the harsh conditions of the peninsula, where they must hunt in frigid waters and fight off competitors for food.

Next, we visit Norway's Svalbard archipelago, where we witness the dramatic hunting techniques of Arctic foxes. This cunning predator can hear the sound of rodents moving beneath the snow, and uses its keen sense of hearing to locate its prey. With lightning-fast reflexes, the fox pounces on its target and devours it to survive the harsh conditions of its environment.

Then, the episode takes viewers to Antarctica, where we encounter emperor penguins, the largest penguin species in the world. These remarkable birds are masterful swimmers, capable of diving hundreds of feet beneath the ice in search of fish. We watch as they huddle together in large groups to stay warm during the brutal winter months, and witness the incredible moment when the males incubate their eggs on their feet.

Moving even deeper into the frozen wilderness, we explore the sea ice that covers much of the Southern Ocean. This is the home of the magnificent Weddell seal, one of the few creatures that can survive in the inhospitable waters that surround the continent. We get a glimpse of the seal's underwater world as it hunts for food, and see how it has adapted to life in one of the most extreme environments on the planet.

Finally, the episode takes us to Greenland, where we explore one of the most visually stunning landscapes on Earth. Towering icebergs carve their way through pristine blue waters, while glaciers slide slowly down from the towering coastal mountains. Here, we see the impact of climate change first-hand, as massive chunks of ice crash into the sea and melt into the warming waters.

Throughout the episode, Sir David Attenborough reminds us of the crucial importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems. As we witness the harsh realities of life in the frozen worlds, we are reminded of the urgent need to take action to preserve these wonders of nature for future generations.