The Libraries' Media Center is pleased to offer eleven noted PBS shows
in the "Journey to Planet Earth" series, now available for viewing on
the Libraries website.
The eleven PBS shows were added to the Libraries' online collections in
support of the university's Ecologies in the Balance: The Way Forward
initiative. This initiative is a year long series of programs that will
examine possible responses to sweeping and unprecedented global
environmental, social, and economic challenges.
The PBS shows, which are narrated by Matt Damon and Kelly McGillis, run
about one hour each. They can be viewed on any computer within or
accessing the Rutgers University network, at any time.
Future conditional
An exploration of the connections between environmental change and the
future health of the planet. Investigates the effects of toxic pollution
in the Arctic, Mexico, Uzbekistan, and in California.
Hot zones
A report on the connections between environmental change and the state
of human health. Investigates the situations in Kenya, Peru, Bangladesh,
and the United States.
Land of plenty, land of want
A study of the state of agriculture in four countries (Zimbabwe, France,
China, and the United States) and how practices impact the environment.
On the brink
Program examines how changes in the environment can lead to terrorism
and other threats to national security. Conditions in Bangladesh, South
Africa, Peru, Haiti and the Mexican/U.S. border are used as case studies.
Rivers of destiny
An Investigation of the Mississippi, Amazon, Jordan, and Mekong River
systems and how the environmental problems in each area impact the
people living along the rivers.
Seas of grass
An analysis of the impact environmental and social changes have had on
the world's grasslands. Regions explored are Inner Mongolia, Kenya,
South Africa, Argentina, and the American West.
The state of the ocean's animals
Program asks why so many of our ocean's animals are disappearing. Case
studies focus on global issues including climate change, sea-level rise,
over-fishing and habitat destruction.
The state of the planet
An investigation of some of the most critical environmental and earth
science questions of the 21st century. Issues covered include growing
populations, water and food supply, and global warming. The
investigation demonstrates why these issues should be taken seriously
before it is too late.
The state of the planet's oceans
An examination of the health and sustainability of the world's oceans,
with a special emphasis on climate change and issues affecting marine
reserves, fisheries and coastal ecosystems.
The state of the planet's wildlife
An investigation of what scientists call 'the sixth great extinction' of
the world's animals. Ultimately, the program asks why people should
care that nearly half the world's wildlife may face extinction over the
next fifty years.
The urban explosion
Program investigates four mega-cities (Mexico City, Istanbul, Shanghai,
and New York City) and whether or not urban populations can be
maintained without destroying the environment.
