PLANET EARTH THE FUTURE
A 2006 BBC documentary series on the environment and conservation, produced by the BBC Natural History Unit as a companion to the multi-award winning nature documentary Planet Earth. The programmes were originally broadcast on BBC Four immediately after the final three episodes of Planet Earth on BBC One. Each episode highlights the conservation issues surrounding some of the species and environments featured in Planet Earth, using interviews with the film-makers and eminent figures from the fields of science, conservation, politics and theology. The programmes are narrated by Simon Poland and the series producer was Fergus Beeley. Executive producer Alastair Fothergill defended the approach, explaining that a heavy handed environmental message would not work on primetime BBC One. The Planet Earth film crews witnessed firsthand scenes of environmental degradation and the increasing scarcity of wildlife in some of the shooting locations and the increasing scarcity of wildlife in some of the shooting locations. This experience formed the basis of Planet Earth The Future, which was designed to engage viewers in a mature debate about environmental issues. By choosing to air it on BBC Four, a recently-created digital channel with a highbrow reputation, the series reached a medium audience, in contrast to the viewing Planet Earth itself.
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The attack of a polar bear on a walrus colony on dry land in "Ice Worlds" was a rare occurrence. Footage is shown from a BBC Wildlife Special made ten years ago that show the bears hunting smaller prey on frozen ice. Species have always become extinct, but now, the viewer is told, the rate of extinction is accelerating and it will "really reach biblical proportions within a few decades."
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Jonathon Porritt believes that this could be achieved simply: by good education on family planning. Consumption of fresh water is highlighted: there are now 40,000 more dams in existence than in 1950. The controversy over drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is discussed by both its advocates and opponents. Biophilia is also examined, and David Attenborough believes that a child's innate love of wildlife, for whatever reason, is being lost in adulthood. An answer to deforestation is found in Costa Rica, where farmers are paid to allow their pasture to revert to forest for its water services.
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Trophy hunting is also contentious. Those that support it argue that it generates wealth for local economies, while its opponents point to the reducing numbers of species such as the markhor. Ecotourism is shown to be beneficial, as it is in the interests of its providers to protect their environments. However, in some areas, such as the Borneo rainforests, the great diversity of species is being replaced by monocultures. The role of both religion and the media in conservation is argued to be extremely important. Contributors to the programme admit a degree of worry about the future, but also optimism.
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PLANET EARTH THE FUTURE Saving Species