Ep 8. Uprising

As reported by the United Nations, natural disasters are becoming increasingly severe and frequent. They claim that the world is facing a crisis that must be tackled now, before it is too late. The science behind global warming is clear – the planet's temperatures are rising, leading to melting glaciers and rising oceans. To many, it seems like a hopeless situation, with no chance of turning things around. However, the focus in season 2 of Years of Living Dangerously is on hope – and how there are people around the world dedicated to making a difference and fighting climate change.

Uprising, the eighth episode of season 2, highlights the work of these people and the challenges they face. Journalist Thomas Friedman is in India, where he spends time with a group of women who are fighting to revolutionize their country's energy system. As we learn, India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with the majority of its electricity coming from coal-fired power plants.

The women Friedman meets are part of a solar energy revolution that is taking place across India. They're determined to bring renewable energy to their country, and they're doing so by building their own solar panels. These women are not only combating climate change but also empowering themselves by creating their own future.

Meanwhile, Arnold Schwarzenegger is in New York, where he's meeting with a group of young activists who are fighting to end the use of fossil fuels in the city. New York City is one of many cities around the world that has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions; as Schwarzenegger learns, however, achieving such a goal is not easy. The young activists he meets are advocating for radical change, but they're also coming up against powerful opponents – such as the fossil fuel industry, which wields tremendous political and economic influence.

Uprising also takes viewers to Mexico, where climate change is threatening the country's agricultural industry. Joshua Jackson is there to meet with farmers who have been forced to change their methods and crops due to changing weather patterns. Jackson visits a farmer who's using a sustainable technique called agroforestry – which involves planting trees along with crops – to help mitigate the effects of climate change. As we see, agroforestry is not only helping the farmer to adapt but also to improve his harvests and the health of his land.

All of the stories told on Years of Living Dangerously are powerful and moving, but it's the hope that binds them together. Each one highlights the fact that people around the world are fighting to save our planet – and succeeding. Often, these people are doing so in the face of great odds, but they're nonetheless optimistic. It's a message that's worth hearing: that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, we can make a difference. For anyone who's concerned about the future of our planet, Uprising – and season 2 of Years of Living Dangerously – offers a glimpse of hope.