1 00:00:04,054 --> 00:00:05,999 [music playing] 2 00:00:07,947 --> 00:00:10,272 Narrator: The forces of nature have shaped 3 00:00:10,307 --> 00:00:12,839 Planet earth over billions of years. 4 00:00:15,507 --> 00:00:18,992 Fire, water, and wind have sculpted its surface 5 00:00:19,027 --> 00:00:22,032 In spectacular ways. 6 00:00:22,067 --> 00:00:25,552 It's a life-giving planet, the only one in the universe, 7 00:00:25,627 --> 00:00:28,432 As far as we know. 8 00:00:28,467 --> 00:00:34,639 Extravagant in bounty and beauty, this is our home. 9 00:00:38,754 --> 00:00:40,912 And in making it our home, 10 00:00:40,947 --> 00:00:44,519 Humans have harnessed the natural gifts of the planet. 11 00:00:44,594 --> 00:00:48,519 As a species, we've literally changed the world. 12 00:00:48,594 --> 00:00:52,752 Across the earth and stretching to sea and sky 13 00:00:52,787 --> 00:00:57,919 Is a geological era that some people call the age of humans. 14 00:01:00,627 --> 00:01:03,872 As humanity advances in strength and knowledge, 15 00:01:03,907 --> 00:01:06,079 How much change can our planet survive? 16 00:01:09,554 --> 00:01:15,479 What will the legacy be of the age of humans? 17 00:01:15,554 --> 00:01:18,439 [music playing] 18 00:01:31,907 --> 00:01:34,192 The effects of humanity's achievements 19 00:01:34,201 --> 00:01:37,632 Can be seen in the farthest corners of the world. 20 00:01:37,667 --> 00:01:40,679 We transform forests into arable land. 21 00:01:43,907 --> 00:01:47,719 And technology is allowing us to spread further and further. 22 00:01:52,787 --> 00:01:56,472 Megacities grow at breathtaking speed. 23 00:01:56,547 --> 00:02:01,519 The world we've created today is marked by constant development. 24 00:02:06,227 --> 00:02:09,632 The world's population is constantly growing too, 25 00:02:09,667 --> 00:02:13,912 Yet the land we have is finite. 26 00:02:13,987 --> 00:02:15,959 Matthias glaubrecht: [non-english speech] 27 00:02:16,034 --> 00:02:18,432 Interpreter: By now, we use 2/3 of the surface of the earth 28 00:02:18,467 --> 00:02:21,272 For human habitations, for traffic, 29 00:02:21,347 --> 00:02:24,272 For agriculture, which means that we have 30 00:02:24,307 --> 00:02:26,112 Become the dominant factor. 31 00:02:26,147 --> 00:02:28,192 Since the middle of the 20th century, 32 00:02:28,227 --> 00:02:30,112 We have filled our planet with the products 33 00:02:30,147 --> 00:02:31,712 Of our daily life-- 34 00:02:31,747 --> 00:02:34,992 Concrete, aluminum, plastic-- and created 35 00:02:35,027 --> 00:02:36,439 A kind of technosphere. 36 00:02:38,787 --> 00:02:41,752 The plastic layer, the changes in carbon isotopes, 37 00:02:41,827 --> 00:02:44,679 The disruption to the ecosystems, sedimentation, 38 00:02:44,754 --> 00:02:48,512 Nitrogen perturbations, nuclear radiation and fallout, 39 00:02:48,547 --> 00:02:50,152 And all of those things that are creating 40 00:02:50,227 --> 00:02:52,032 A layer in the geology. 41 00:02:52,107 --> 00:02:55,712 And it will be visible there for hundreds of millions of years. 42 00:02:55,747 --> 00:02:57,472 And people will be able to-- 43 00:02:57,507 --> 00:02:59,712 The people, somebody, entities will be able to drill down 44 00:02:59,747 --> 00:03:01,872 Through the crust of the earth. 45 00:03:01,907 --> 00:03:04,912 We may be long gone, but they will see our fingerprint still. 46 00:03:04,947 --> 00:03:07,599 [music playing] 47 00:03:11,467 --> 00:03:13,472 Narrator: Already, more than half 48 00:03:13,507 --> 00:03:16,072 Of humanity lives in cities. 49 00:03:16,147 --> 00:03:22,199 And trends indicate that cities will continue to grow. 50 00:03:22,274 --> 00:03:26,992 Each new house, each new road, everything we build 51 00:03:27,027 --> 00:03:28,279 Requires land. 52 00:03:31,267 --> 00:03:34,192 All around the world, cities are displacing 53 00:03:34,227 --> 00:03:37,272 Fertile ground, which is a precious natural resource 54 00:03:37,347 --> 00:03:38,839 In itself. 55 00:03:38,914 --> 00:03:40,799 [music playing] 56 00:03:43,827 --> 00:03:47,712 Soil takes centuries to develop from bedrock. 57 00:03:47,747 --> 00:03:50,672 As water and acids corrode the rock, 58 00:03:50,681 --> 00:03:55,479 Microorganisms such as bacteria transform dead plants 59 00:03:55,554 --> 00:03:58,272 Into humus, which is worked into the soil 60 00:03:58,307 --> 00:04:02,432 By earthworms to create the nutrient-rich mixture that 61 00:04:02,507 --> 00:04:03,359 Can grow food. 62 00:04:06,147 --> 00:04:08,512 [chatter] 63 00:04:08,547 --> 00:04:11,312 Scientists believe that our ancestors discovered 64 00:04:11,347 --> 00:04:13,712 The life-giving properties of fertile soil 65 00:04:13,747 --> 00:04:16,312 Some 10,000 years ago, 66 00:04:16,387 --> 00:04:21,392 A revelation that transformed them from hunter gatherers 67 00:04:21,467 --> 00:04:23,472 Into farmers. 68 00:04:23,507 --> 00:04:25,799 [music playing] 69 00:04:28,707 --> 00:04:33,639 It begins in the middle east and gradually spreads from there. 70 00:04:33,714 --> 00:04:36,679 Farming is one of the greatest revolutions 71 00:04:36,754 --> 00:04:39,479 In the age of humans. 72 00:04:39,554 --> 00:04:42,432 An area which once fed five people now 73 00:04:42,467 --> 00:04:45,952 Provides food for 35. 74 00:04:45,961 --> 00:04:48,432 Farming makes possible the growth 75 00:04:48,467 --> 00:04:51,592 Of settlements into large-scale societies, 76 00:04:51,667 --> 00:04:53,392 Like that of ancient egypt. 77 00:04:53,427 --> 00:04:56,399 [music playing] 78 00:04:58,914 --> 00:05:01,272 The nile valley is one of the most fertile 79 00:05:01,347 --> 00:05:04,672 Regions in all of antiquity-- 80 00:05:04,707 --> 00:05:07,392 Made possible by the rich soil carried down 81 00:05:07,427 --> 00:05:10,152 Each year from the ethiopian highlands 82 00:05:10,227 --> 00:05:11,279 During the rainy season. 83 00:05:16,387 --> 00:05:20,672 The soil makes the valley a giant blossoming oasis 84 00:05:20,681 --> 00:05:24,359 And feeds the most advanced civilization of its day. 85 00:05:24,434 --> 00:05:27,399 [music playing] 86 00:05:29,827 --> 00:05:32,992 It's the first time that state officials are charged 87 00:05:33,001 --> 00:05:35,632 With the administration of fertile land, 88 00:05:35,667 --> 00:05:38,912 Regulating farming, livestock, and distribution 89 00:05:38,947 --> 00:05:41,639 Of the harvest. 90 00:05:41,714 --> 00:05:46,192 Agriculture becomes the driving force of state building, 91 00:05:46,227 --> 00:05:49,319 Because only if a community succeeds in producing 92 00:05:49,394 --> 00:05:55,712 A surplus of food can it release people to work on other tasks-- 93 00:05:55,747 --> 00:05:59,632 Erecting monuments, contemplating religion, 94 00:05:59,667 --> 00:06:02,992 Discovering math and science. 95 00:06:03,027 --> 00:06:07,639 For thousands of years, egypt is the preeminent civilization 96 00:06:07,714 --> 00:06:09,952 In the mediterranean world. 97 00:06:09,961 --> 00:06:13,359 But they're not the only ones discovering state building. 98 00:06:17,667 --> 00:06:21,792 By 10,000 bc, humans are simultaneously 99 00:06:21,827 --> 00:06:26,072 Starting to farm and build cities on other continents-- 100 00:06:26,147 --> 00:06:31,159 In asia, the americas, europe, and elsewhere in africa. 101 00:06:31,234 --> 00:06:33,959 [music playing] 102 00:06:36,914 --> 00:06:40,359 Around 2000 years ago, our planet was inhabited 103 00:06:40,434 --> 00:06:42,832 By about 300 million people. 104 00:06:42,841 --> 00:06:46,912 More than 50 million of them are subjects of the roman empire, 105 00:06:46,947 --> 00:06:50,072 Which is transforming not only human life but the land 106 00:06:50,147 --> 00:06:50,919 As well. 107 00:06:54,787 --> 00:06:58,839 The capital city of rome houses a million people. 108 00:06:58,914 --> 00:07:01,472 They live in a kind of luxury most of the world 109 00:07:01,507 --> 00:07:05,159 Can't even imagine. 110 00:07:05,234 --> 00:07:06,559 [non-english speech] 111 00:07:07,287 --> 00:07:09,552 Interpreter: The roman empire is, of course, 112 00:07:09,587 --> 00:07:11,072 Held together by its military power 113 00:07:11,107 --> 00:07:14,352 And the organizational central force. 114 00:07:14,387 --> 00:07:16,032 Both factors allow the romans not only 115 00:07:16,067 --> 00:07:19,472 To control an immense territory, which encompassed almost all 116 00:07:19,507 --> 00:07:21,799 The known world back then from rome, 117 00:07:21,874 --> 00:07:24,152 But which also offered its citizens an enormously 118 00:07:24,227 --> 00:07:25,312 High standard of living. 119 00:07:25,347 --> 00:07:26,759 [non-english speech] 120 00:07:28,867 --> 00:07:30,752 Narrator: When farming first began, 121 00:07:30,787 --> 00:07:33,639 People lived strictly on local products. 122 00:07:33,714 --> 00:07:37,799 Now, wealthy romans are able to feast on imports, 123 00:07:37,874 --> 00:07:39,952 Exotic plants and animals brought 124 00:07:39,961 --> 00:07:42,112 Home from their provinces. 125 00:07:42,147 --> 00:07:46,199 The range of choices is immense. 126 00:07:46,274 --> 00:07:48,192 [non-english speech] 127 00:07:48,227 --> 00:07:50,432 Interpreter: This, I'm almost inclined to say, 128 00:07:50,467 --> 00:07:53,392 Strategy of colonization enabled rome 129 00:07:53,427 --> 00:07:54,832 To bring in food and luxury goods 130 00:07:54,841 --> 00:07:56,992 From even the remotest regions. 131 00:07:57,027 --> 00:07:59,952 All this by creating a highly efficient infrastructure. 132 00:07:59,987 --> 00:08:01,559 [non-english speech] 133 00:08:05,587 --> 00:08:10,432 Narrator: It's made possible in part by the famous roman roads. 134 00:08:10,467 --> 00:08:14,999 For the first time, paved roads crossed vast distances. 135 00:08:15,074 --> 00:08:19,159 They connect villages and towns together like never before, 136 00:08:19,234 --> 00:08:21,799 Enabling trade and commerce. 137 00:08:21,874 --> 00:08:25,272 The roads are marvels of engineering. 138 00:08:25,347 --> 00:08:27,072 Right, perfect. 139 00:08:27,107 --> 00:08:29,912 Narrator: They're constructed mostly in straight lines-- 140 00:08:29,987 --> 00:08:33,312 Faster to travel on than curved roads. 141 00:08:33,347 --> 00:08:37,872 And they're ingeniously designed to resist flooding. 142 00:08:37,947 --> 00:08:42,032 It's a feat of engineering that creates more than 12,000 miles 143 00:08:42,067 --> 00:08:44,992 Of surfaced roads, reaching into the farthest 144 00:08:45,027 --> 00:08:47,799 Corners of the empire. 145 00:08:47,874 --> 00:08:51,792 A map from late roman times shows the network of roads 146 00:08:51,801 --> 00:08:53,639 Stretching from the british isles 147 00:08:53,714 --> 00:08:59,432 Across the mediterranean world and finally to asia. 148 00:08:59,507 --> 00:09:03,479 At the easternmost margin of the map, it says sera major. 149 00:09:03,554 --> 00:09:05,752 According to some historians, this may mean 150 00:09:05,827 --> 00:09:09,552 China, which suggests that human civilization is 151 00:09:09,627 --> 00:09:13,872 Now a net that spans the globe. 152 00:09:13,907 --> 00:09:19,392 Here, too, humans have long been changing the landscape. 153 00:09:19,427 --> 00:09:21,472 These meticulously terraced fields 154 00:09:21,507 --> 00:09:23,752 In the northwest part of the country 155 00:09:23,827 --> 00:09:28,472 Are today home to 50 million people. 156 00:09:28,547 --> 00:09:32,632 The loess plateau is named for a mineral-rich sediment 157 00:09:32,707 --> 00:09:37,712 Called loess, which is carried by the winds. 158 00:09:37,747 --> 00:09:42,512 The plateau stretches across 250,000 square miles 159 00:09:42,547 --> 00:09:44,752 And has been feeding the people here 160 00:09:44,787 --> 00:09:46,992 For at least thousand years. 161 00:09:47,027 --> 00:09:49,519 [music playing] 162 00:09:51,641 --> 00:09:57,232 But what the wind brings in can also be swept away. 163 00:09:57,267 --> 00:10:00,472 The loess plateau has been called one of the most highly 164 00:10:00,547 --> 00:10:04,432 Erodable places on earth, needing constant management 165 00:10:04,467 --> 00:10:05,399 To preserve. 166 00:10:08,707 --> 00:10:13,472 All over the world, the land has stories to tell. 167 00:10:13,481 --> 00:10:16,032 In western australia, rock layers 168 00:10:16,067 --> 00:10:20,032 Provide evidence of dramatic changes to the landscape. 169 00:10:20,107 --> 00:10:24,352 The reddish color of the canyons of the karijini national park 170 00:10:24,387 --> 00:10:26,319 Contain high contents of iron. 171 00:10:29,187 --> 00:10:32,199 The mineral is often produced by volcanoes, 172 00:10:32,274 --> 00:10:35,872 Yet here, the rocks reveal that the iron was created 173 00:10:35,907 --> 00:10:40,199 By different forces altogether. 174 00:10:40,274 --> 00:10:42,752 Where the river has cut deep gorges, 175 00:10:42,787 --> 00:10:47,152 Scientists believe there was once a vast ocean. 176 00:10:47,187 --> 00:10:49,152 Hans-rudolf bork: [non-english speech] 177 00:10:49,187 --> 00:10:51,752 Interpreter: About 2 and 1/2 billion years ago, 178 00:10:51,827 --> 00:10:54,592 There was more and more oxygen in the atmosphere 179 00:10:54,627 --> 00:10:56,152 And, therefore, also in the oceans, 180 00:10:56,227 --> 00:10:58,839 Causing the iron to oxidize. 181 00:10:58,914 --> 00:11:01,472 The iron then sink to the bottom of the sea, 182 00:11:01,507 --> 00:11:03,552 Forming ever thicker layers, 183 00:11:03,627 --> 00:11:05,872 Measuring hundreds and thousands of feet, 184 00:11:05,907 --> 00:11:08,272 Which we now can mine as iron ore. 185 00:11:08,307 --> 00:11:10,039 Hans-rudolf bork: [non-english speech] 186 00:11:11,667 --> 00:11:14,112 Narrator: Under the pressure of the layers above, 187 00:11:14,147 --> 00:11:17,392 The lower strata compacted into solid rock. 188 00:11:17,467 --> 00:11:19,912 This region was shaped long before 189 00:11:19,987 --> 00:11:22,679 We appeared on the scene, thus the gorges 190 00:11:22,754 --> 00:11:25,552 Contain no evidence of humans. 191 00:11:25,627 --> 00:11:28,999 In the future, the layers we leave behind 192 00:11:29,074 --> 00:11:30,992 Will tell a different story. 193 00:11:31,027 --> 00:11:33,319 [music playing] 194 00:11:36,667 --> 00:11:39,479 Humans have certainly made marks on the planet. 195 00:11:39,554 --> 00:11:43,632 And we've done it with breathtaking efficiency. 196 00:11:43,667 --> 00:11:47,152 Earth is 4.6 billion years old. 197 00:11:47,187 --> 00:11:49,872 And humans have been part of it 198 00:11:49,947 --> 00:11:53,232 For a tiny fraction of that time. 199 00:11:53,267 --> 00:11:55,632 If we imagine that the planet were one day old, 200 00:11:55,667 --> 00:12:00,719 Then humans have only been here for a mere three seconds. 201 00:12:03,267 --> 00:12:05,639 Yet, in that tiny sliver of time, 202 00:12:05,714 --> 00:12:08,999 We've transformed our planet. 203 00:12:09,074 --> 00:12:11,392 Viewed from the sky, it's easy to see 204 00:12:11,427 --> 00:12:14,272 Large-scale transformation of the land. 205 00:12:14,307 --> 00:12:17,592 Artificial shapes and geometric forms are another mark 206 00:12:17,667 --> 00:12:20,072 Of the age of humans. 207 00:12:20,147 --> 00:12:21,792 This is land that's been dramatically 208 00:12:21,827 --> 00:12:23,712 Altered to meet our needs-- 209 00:12:23,747 --> 00:12:26,359 A confluence of wealth, innovation, 210 00:12:26,434 --> 00:12:28,912 Science, and hard work. 211 00:12:28,947 --> 00:12:33,232 Modern humans may have perfected large-scale transformation, 212 00:12:33,307 --> 00:12:35,632 But it was our ancestors who first 213 00:12:35,641 --> 00:12:40,079 Started it many centuries ago. 214 00:12:45,347 --> 00:12:47,712 This is the world of the vikings, 215 00:12:47,787 --> 00:12:51,872 A place of harsh weather and dramatic fjords. 216 00:12:51,907 --> 00:12:55,232 Many centuries ago, humans answered the urge 217 00:12:55,307 --> 00:12:58,312 To explore new worlds, setting out 218 00:12:58,387 --> 00:13:00,432 On daring sea journeys that became 219 00:13:00,467 --> 00:13:04,359 The stuff of myth and legend. 220 00:13:04,434 --> 00:13:06,952 They are hunters, fishermen, farmers, 221 00:13:07,027 --> 00:13:11,479 And boat builders, who are also fearless warriors and pirates. 222 00:13:11,554 --> 00:13:15,432 In the late 800s, vikings discover an uninhabited island 223 00:13:15,507 --> 00:13:18,472 In the atlantic, a paradise teeming with life 224 00:13:18,547 --> 00:13:21,272 That today we call iceland. 225 00:13:21,347 --> 00:13:23,792 Vikings create permanent settlements here 226 00:13:23,827 --> 00:13:27,872 And, at the same time, disrupt the environment. 227 00:13:27,907 --> 00:13:29,639 [non-english speech] 228 00:13:31,427 --> 00:13:33,159 Interpreter: The vikings or, to be more precise, 229 00:13:33,234 --> 00:13:34,432 Settlers from norway, 230 00:13:34,507 --> 00:13:37,872 Came into a more or less uninhabited country. 231 00:13:37,907 --> 00:13:38,992 There may have been some irish monks, 232 00:13:39,027 --> 00:13:41,319 But they were soon expelled. 233 00:13:41,394 --> 00:13:43,472 The land as such was near perfect. 234 00:13:43,507 --> 00:13:46,312 About a quarter of it was covered by forests. 235 00:13:46,387 --> 00:13:48,832 There was enormous space for grazing cattle. 236 00:13:48,867 --> 00:13:50,432 And all of this was for free. 237 00:13:50,467 --> 00:13:54,192 Yet humans destroyed it within a mere 100 years. 238 00:13:54,201 --> 00:13:59,072 [non-english speech] 239 00:13:59,107 --> 00:14:00,832 Narrator: These settlers introduced 240 00:14:00,867 --> 00:14:04,272 Cattle onto the land, which helped them clear the forests. 241 00:14:04,307 --> 00:14:06,952 Wood is essential to their survival 242 00:14:07,027 --> 00:14:08,679 To cook and build shelter. 243 00:14:08,754 --> 00:14:11,592 It allows them to stay alive through frigid nights 244 00:14:11,667 --> 00:14:14,592 And winters. 245 00:14:14,627 --> 00:14:17,792 The clearing's become grazing grounds for animals. 246 00:14:17,827 --> 00:14:23,632 But the vegetation is unable to regenerate this far north. 247 00:14:23,667 --> 00:14:27,792 During the short summers, settlers stockpile their food. 248 00:14:27,827 --> 00:14:30,839 Food and wood become precious commodities, 249 00:14:30,914 --> 00:14:35,912 Even as the population grows and human survival instincts 250 00:14:35,987 --> 00:14:39,199 Kick in with violent results. 251 00:14:42,274 --> 00:14:44,832 The famous iceland sagas tell of quarrels 252 00:14:44,867 --> 00:14:46,912 Over land that often escalate, 253 00:14:46,947 --> 00:14:50,272 Ending in murder among rival clans. 254 00:14:50,307 --> 00:14:51,312 What do you want? 255 00:14:51,321 --> 00:14:53,872 They say you started upon my lands. 256 00:14:53,907 --> 00:14:54,832 [groaning] 257 00:14:54,867 --> 00:14:56,272 So beat it, you rascal. 258 00:14:56,307 --> 00:14:58,272 Let me be. 259 00:14:58,307 --> 00:14:59,112 I'll show you. 260 00:14:59,187 --> 00:15:01,959 [music playing] 261 00:15:04,467 --> 00:15:06,599 [sword slicing] 262 00:15:09,961 --> 00:15:12,832 Narrator: Early court proceedings record disputes 263 00:15:12,841 --> 00:15:15,632 Where perpetrators were expelled and become 264 00:15:15,667 --> 00:15:17,272 Enemies of the tribe. 265 00:15:17,347 --> 00:15:19,952 What is your verdict? 266 00:15:19,961 --> 00:15:23,112 And all of his kin. 267 00:15:23,187 --> 00:15:24,792 Three years greenland. 268 00:15:24,867 --> 00:15:27,159 That shall be your punishment. Be gone! 269 00:15:27,234 --> 00:15:29,712 Narrator: The iceland sagas are proof that humans have been 270 00:15:29,747 --> 00:15:32,359 Arguing about how best to exploit the earth 271 00:15:32,434 --> 00:15:36,032 For a very long time. 272 00:15:36,067 --> 00:15:39,792 Some 400 years later, the middle ages are dawning. 273 00:15:39,827 --> 00:15:42,032 The world's population has increased 274 00:15:42,107 --> 00:15:46,312 To 400 million people, most of them living in asia. 275 00:15:46,387 --> 00:15:49,472 In europe, the population is growing quickly. 276 00:15:49,507 --> 00:15:53,232 And people are working the earth harder than ever to survive. 277 00:15:53,307 --> 00:15:54,672 [non-english speech] 278 00:15:54,707 --> 00:15:57,072 Interpreter: Between 1000 and 1300 ad, 279 00:15:57,107 --> 00:16:00,352 The population in germany increased from 4 to 11 million. 280 00:16:00,387 --> 00:16:02,352 So it almost tripled. 281 00:16:02,361 --> 00:16:04,152 Today, the rate is even faster. 282 00:16:04,227 --> 00:16:07,392 But back then, given a time span of three centuries, 283 00:16:07,467 --> 00:16:08,439 It was enormous. 284 00:16:12,307 --> 00:16:13,632 Narrator: New settlements in germany 285 00:16:13,641 --> 00:16:16,672 Are giving way to ever larger cities. 286 00:16:16,707 --> 00:16:20,032 30% of the forests are cut down to create 287 00:16:20,067 --> 00:16:22,192 Buildings and grow food. 288 00:16:22,201 --> 00:16:27,472 By about 1300 ad, an astonishing 85% of forests 289 00:16:27,507 --> 00:16:29,952 Have been cleared, which is, in fact, 290 00:16:29,961 --> 00:16:35,472 Considerably less than what exists in germany today. 291 00:16:35,507 --> 00:16:40,192 New farms are being created all the time. 292 00:16:40,227 --> 00:16:44,192 And on what was once hard soil, iron plowshares 293 00:16:44,227 --> 00:16:45,872 Make it possible to farm. 294 00:16:45,947 --> 00:16:50,072 Yet the new plow merely turns the soil onto its side 295 00:16:50,147 --> 00:16:52,632 Rather than turning it completely over, 296 00:16:52,707 --> 00:16:55,159 Which is a later innovation. 297 00:16:55,234 --> 00:16:58,719 This leaves the earth loose and susceptible to runoff. 298 00:17:04,034 --> 00:17:08,199 In July of the year 1342, a natural disaster 299 00:17:08,274 --> 00:17:13,159 Makes history and becomes known as the magdalene flood. 300 00:17:13,234 --> 00:17:17,639 After an extremely dry period, the fields become waterlogged 301 00:17:17,714 --> 00:17:20,839 And yet the rain keeps coming. 302 00:17:20,914 --> 00:17:25,152 People back then see it as a divine punishment, 303 00:17:25,187 --> 00:17:27,399 The return of the great flood. 304 00:17:30,187 --> 00:17:34,199 One story says that the locks of heaven were open, 305 00:17:34,274 --> 00:17:38,472 And rain fell upon the earth as in the 600th year 306 00:17:38,547 --> 00:17:39,639 Of noah's life. 307 00:17:42,867 --> 00:17:46,072 Some 13 billion tons of fertile soil 308 00:17:46,147 --> 00:17:49,472 Are washed away in a matter of days. 309 00:17:49,507 --> 00:17:52,112 It's the equivalent of normal soil loss 310 00:17:52,147 --> 00:17:57,712 Over a 2000-year period, leaving some villages unable to farm 311 00:17:57,747 --> 00:17:59,399 For centuries to come. 312 00:18:02,434 --> 00:18:09,072 150 years later, it's 1500 ad, and another important chapter 313 00:18:09,107 --> 00:18:14,672 Of the age of humans is about to begin in the americas. 314 00:18:14,707 --> 00:18:17,392 Civilizations here have cultivated crops 315 00:18:17,427 --> 00:18:20,592 That are unknown elsewhere in the world-- 316 00:18:20,627 --> 00:18:24,352 Avocados and green beans, papayas and peanuts. 317 00:18:24,387 --> 00:18:28,272 Plants and seeds are about to travel to other countries 318 00:18:28,307 --> 00:18:29,752 And civilizations. 319 00:18:29,827 --> 00:18:31,152 Interpreter: The natural resources 320 00:18:31,161 --> 00:18:32,952 Of the americas changed the whole world, 321 00:18:33,027 --> 00:18:36,032 Not only the americas and europe but the whole planet. 322 00:18:36,067 --> 00:18:37,639 [non-english speech] 323 00:18:40,347 --> 00:18:43,072 Narrator: One south american plant in particular 324 00:18:43,107 --> 00:18:45,959 Will become popular like no other-- 325 00:18:46,034 --> 00:18:48,032 Maize. 326 00:18:48,067 --> 00:18:51,872 Native americans cultivate it from a mexican wild grass, 327 00:18:51,947 --> 00:18:58,192 Called teosinte, into the plant we now call corn. 328 00:18:58,227 --> 00:19:02,592 Today, with an annual yield of more than a billion tons, 329 00:19:02,627 --> 00:19:05,312 Corn is one of the world's largest 330 00:19:05,347 --> 00:19:06,639 And most valuable crops. 331 00:19:09,787 --> 00:19:12,672 Corn today is raised in immense fields. 332 00:19:12,707 --> 00:19:14,992 This facilitates both cultivation 333 00:19:15,027 --> 00:19:20,152 And harvesting, which are done with heavy machinery. 334 00:19:20,227 --> 00:19:24,032 This spectacular operation is the outgrowth of innovations 335 00:19:24,067 --> 00:19:26,112 That started with ancient humans 336 00:19:26,187 --> 00:19:28,192 And were refined over millennia. 337 00:19:28,227 --> 00:19:30,679 [music playing] 338 00:19:32,107 --> 00:19:35,152 One contributor to that process is an englishman 339 00:19:35,187 --> 00:19:37,792 By the name of jethro tull. 340 00:19:37,827 --> 00:19:40,992 Around the year 1700, he invents a machine 341 00:19:41,001 --> 00:19:44,472 To sow seeds that allows planting with never 342 00:19:44,547 --> 00:19:46,312 Before seen precision. 343 00:19:46,387 --> 00:19:47,152 It fits. 344 00:19:47,187 --> 00:19:49,152 Wonderful. 345 00:19:49,161 --> 00:19:52,032 Narrator: It punches holes in the ground, 346 00:19:52,067 --> 00:19:56,032 Inserts a single seed, and then covers it with soil. 347 00:19:56,067 --> 00:19:59,632 This way, the plants grow in perfectly regular 348 00:19:59,667 --> 00:20:02,192 Distance from each other, allowing 349 00:20:02,227 --> 00:20:06,472 For maximum use of the field. 350 00:20:06,547 --> 00:20:09,712 300 years later, agriculture is practiced 351 00:20:09,747 --> 00:20:11,472 With a precision and scale 352 00:20:11,481 --> 00:20:15,319 Jethro tull could never have dreamed. 353 00:20:15,394 --> 00:20:17,479 California's central valley is one of 354 00:20:17,554 --> 00:20:20,032 The most productive agricultural regions 355 00:20:20,067 --> 00:20:21,072 In the world. 356 00:20:21,107 --> 00:20:23,872 More than 200 crops are grown here, 357 00:20:23,907 --> 00:20:26,632 From almonds, artichokes, and asparagus 358 00:20:26,707 --> 00:20:28,679 To cotton, garlic, and olives. 359 00:20:31,554 --> 00:20:35,632 Much of the work is done from the air using infrared cameras 360 00:20:35,667 --> 00:20:37,872 To survey the area. 361 00:20:37,907 --> 00:20:41,152 The central valley is vast, about 50 miles wide, 362 00:20:41,187 --> 00:20:44,352 And 450 miles long. 363 00:20:44,387 --> 00:20:47,872 It's the world's largest patch of class 1 soil, 364 00:20:47,947 --> 00:20:50,952 The best there is, providing more than a third 365 00:20:51,027 --> 00:20:52,959 Of all the produce grown in the united states. 366 00:20:56,187 --> 00:20:59,232 Images from the air tell the farmer on the ground 367 00:20:59,307 --> 00:21:03,232 Precisely where pest control and fertilizers are needed. 368 00:21:03,267 --> 00:21:07,392 It's called precision agriculture, which saves money 369 00:21:07,427 --> 00:21:11,472 And benefits the environment. 370 00:21:11,481 --> 00:21:13,799 That farming is even possible here 371 00:21:13,874 --> 00:21:17,799 Is the result of large-scale human engineering. 372 00:21:17,874 --> 00:21:21,159 Gigantic irrigation channels bring water to the fields 373 00:21:21,234 --> 00:21:23,472 From hundreds of miles away. 374 00:21:23,481 --> 00:21:25,792 It all makes the central valley one 375 00:21:25,827 --> 00:21:28,992 Of the biggest consumers of water and energy 376 00:21:29,027 --> 00:21:29,952 In the country. 377 00:21:29,987 --> 00:21:32,199 [music playing] 378 00:21:32,274 --> 00:21:36,199 Where humans once sweated to work the soil by hand, 379 00:21:36,274 --> 00:21:41,872 Machines now do the job with cool precision. 380 00:21:41,907 --> 00:21:45,232 Remote controlled tractors allow for greater efficiency 381 00:21:45,267 --> 00:21:47,152 And a smaller workforce. 382 00:21:47,187 --> 00:21:50,192 Farmers around here are more likely to run 383 00:21:50,201 --> 00:21:54,032 A computer than a combine. 384 00:21:54,067 --> 00:21:57,152 This is the future of the agriculture industry, 385 00:21:57,187 --> 00:22:02,912 Providing higher yields through maximum efficiency. 386 00:22:02,947 --> 00:22:06,752 In many areas, harvests yield four times as much 387 00:22:06,827 --> 00:22:09,559 As they did just 100 years ago. 388 00:22:12,707 --> 00:22:16,672 And that's not just because of the increased use of machinery. 389 00:22:16,707 --> 00:22:22,199 It's mostly due to the invention of fertilizer, 390 00:22:22,274 --> 00:22:26,999 An invention that will do good but at a very high price. 391 00:22:27,074 --> 00:22:29,639 [music playing] 392 00:22:34,841 --> 00:22:37,312 The invention of fertilizer at the beginning 393 00:22:37,347 --> 00:22:40,512 Of the 20th century is one of the groundbreaking inventions 394 00:22:40,547 --> 00:22:43,872 Of the age of humans. 395 00:22:43,907 --> 00:22:47,872 German scientists fritz haber and carl bosch 396 00:22:47,907 --> 00:22:50,912 Develop a procedure that allows nitrogen from the air 397 00:22:50,987 --> 00:22:54,272 To be converted into ammonia. 398 00:22:54,307 --> 00:22:57,479 Since nitrogen is the driving force of plant growth, 399 00:22:57,554 --> 00:23:01,552 Ammonia becomes the basis for artificial fertilizers, 400 00:23:01,627 --> 00:23:05,392 Though at a cost its makers don't anticipate. 401 00:23:05,427 --> 00:23:07,272 Will steffen: The key, the breakthrough was 402 00:23:07,347 --> 00:23:09,799 The industrialization, where we could take nitrogen 403 00:23:09,874 --> 00:23:12,672 From the air using chemical processes 404 00:23:12,707 --> 00:23:14,679 And convert it into reactive nitrogen. 405 00:23:14,754 --> 00:23:16,272 Well, there are a couple of things there. 406 00:23:16,307 --> 00:23:18,192 That takes a lot of energy in the first place. 407 00:23:18,227 --> 00:23:20,832 But second of all, it's pouring an enormous amount 408 00:23:20,867 --> 00:23:22,432 Of new reactive nitrogen. 409 00:23:22,507 --> 00:23:24,672 Now, we use that to grow food. 410 00:23:24,707 --> 00:23:27,072 But there's a very high fraction of that 411 00:23:27,107 --> 00:23:29,632 That actually then spills out into the environment. 412 00:23:29,641 --> 00:23:31,712 It nutrifies the water systems. 413 00:23:31,747 --> 00:23:33,712 It pollutes land and so on. 414 00:23:33,747 --> 00:23:36,432 So now we've seen an enormous increase 415 00:23:36,467 --> 00:23:40,592 In reactive nitrogen cycling through the earth system. 416 00:23:40,627 --> 00:23:42,112 Narrator: In addition to nitrogen, 417 00:23:42,147 --> 00:23:44,752 Fertilizers typically contain phosphate 418 00:23:44,787 --> 00:23:47,312 And potassium, both of which cause 419 00:23:47,347 --> 00:23:50,032 Environmental problems to mine. 420 00:23:50,067 --> 00:23:52,032 It's the trade-off humans have made 421 00:23:52,067 --> 00:23:55,472 To feed an ever-growing population and an example 422 00:23:55,507 --> 00:23:59,639 Of the domino effect that occurs when one change is introduced 423 00:23:59,714 --> 00:24:01,639 Into a complex system. 424 00:24:04,347 --> 00:24:07,959 As the age of humans advances and the world's population 425 00:24:08,034 --> 00:24:14,199 Continues to grow, in 1804, it surpasses a billion. 426 00:24:14,274 --> 00:24:18,832 A little more than a century later, it doubles to 2 billion. 427 00:24:18,841 --> 00:24:22,519 And from there, the curve only gets steeper. 428 00:24:24,754 --> 00:24:27,159 The agricultural revolution is followed 429 00:24:27,234 --> 00:24:30,192 By its industrial counterpart. 430 00:24:30,227 --> 00:24:35,072 Artificial fertilizers are joined by high-tech machinery. 431 00:24:35,107 --> 00:24:38,272 Today, a single harvesting machine 432 00:24:38,307 --> 00:24:42,032 Is more efficient than 100 pickers of the past. 433 00:24:42,067 --> 00:24:44,599 [music playing] 434 00:24:48,274 --> 00:24:52,199 As agriculture requires fewer human hands to work the farms, 435 00:24:52,274 --> 00:24:55,792 People migrate to cities to make a living. 436 00:24:55,801 --> 00:24:58,832 From new york to mexico city and mumbai, 437 00:24:58,841 --> 00:25:01,232 Building explodes to accommodate them. 438 00:25:01,267 --> 00:25:04,352 And entire skylines change in the course 439 00:25:04,387 --> 00:25:06,832 Of a few generations. 440 00:25:06,867 --> 00:25:11,312 In 2008, for the first time in the history of humanity, 441 00:25:11,321 --> 00:25:17,319 The world's urban population outnumbers rural areas. 442 00:25:17,394 --> 00:25:20,432 Today, earth contains 30 megacities 443 00:25:20,507 --> 00:25:22,432 Of more than 10 million people. 444 00:25:22,467 --> 00:25:25,792 And that number is increasing. 445 00:25:25,827 --> 00:25:29,392 The explosive growth of cities since world war 2 446 00:25:29,427 --> 00:25:33,159 Is one of the most distinctive features of the age of humans. 447 00:25:33,234 --> 00:25:35,839 [music playing] 448 00:25:40,507 --> 00:25:43,232 And migration isn't limited to humans. 449 00:25:43,267 --> 00:25:45,912 Plants started to travel the globe too, 450 00:25:45,987 --> 00:25:49,479 In the hands of explorers, scientists, and traders. 451 00:25:51,801 --> 00:25:54,359 The royal botanical gardens in london 452 00:25:54,434 --> 00:25:58,432 Houses seven million specimens, making it the largest 453 00:25:58,507 --> 00:26:02,032 Plant collection on earth. 454 00:26:02,067 --> 00:26:06,592 Their seeds exist in a dry state because hundreds of years ago 455 00:26:06,627 --> 00:26:08,192 When humans crossed the oceans, 456 00:26:08,201 --> 00:26:12,032 There was no way to preserve plants in the salt air 457 00:26:12,107 --> 00:26:13,872 For months at sea. 458 00:26:13,907 --> 00:26:16,759 [music playing] 459 00:26:23,307 --> 00:26:28,199 Then enterprising thinkers came up with novel solutions. 460 00:26:28,274 --> 00:26:31,072 One of them is a london physician and gardener 461 00:26:31,107 --> 00:26:34,359 Named nathaniel ward. 462 00:26:34,434 --> 00:26:37,432 It's 1829, and ward is frustrated 463 00:26:37,507 --> 00:26:41,159 That the polluted london air is giving his plants a hard time. 464 00:26:41,234 --> 00:26:44,399 [music playing] 465 00:26:49,267 --> 00:26:53,312 He has the idea for an artificial miniature biosphere, 466 00:26:53,347 --> 00:26:56,639 Something like what we'd call a terrarium today. 467 00:26:59,667 --> 00:27:01,432 All it takes are some strips of wood 468 00:27:01,507 --> 00:27:02,919 And a couple panes of glass. 469 00:27:07,827 --> 00:27:10,032 The wardian case is a success. 470 00:27:10,107 --> 00:27:13,392 The plants inside the case remain fresh for weeks, 471 00:27:13,427 --> 00:27:15,072 Without having to be watered. 472 00:27:15,107 --> 00:27:17,679 [music playing] 473 00:27:22,201 --> 00:27:26,632 In 1848, tea seedlings are brought from china 474 00:27:26,707 --> 00:27:30,152 To india in wardian cases. 475 00:27:30,227 --> 00:27:35,272 Later, gum trees are shipped from south america to asia. 476 00:27:35,347 --> 00:27:38,192 By using these miniature greenhouses, 477 00:27:38,227 --> 00:27:43,232 Humans around the world begin to redesign entire landscapes 478 00:27:43,267 --> 00:27:44,832 And ecosystems. 479 00:27:44,867 --> 00:27:46,599 [music playing] 480 00:27:48,067 --> 00:27:51,072 The figure that I have seen is that before the 19th century 481 00:27:51,107 --> 00:27:54,832 Around about 500 garden species were introduced to britain 482 00:27:54,867 --> 00:27:56,679 In the previous 500 years. 483 00:27:56,754 --> 00:28:00,312 In the 19th century, around about 15,000 garden species 484 00:28:00,387 --> 00:28:03,392 Were introduced to britain. 485 00:28:03,427 --> 00:28:05,799 Narrator: Once people start to transport plants, 486 00:28:05,874 --> 00:28:09,232 It's not long before they trade in animals too. 487 00:28:09,267 --> 00:28:12,832 It's the first period of real globalization, 488 00:28:12,867 --> 00:28:15,592 Which is not without its downsides. 489 00:28:15,667 --> 00:28:17,792 Australia holds the record for building 490 00:28:17,827 --> 00:28:20,072 The longest fence in the world, 491 00:28:20,147 --> 00:28:22,839 Running for more than 900 miles. 492 00:28:22,914 --> 00:28:25,552 It separates the westernmost regions 493 00:28:25,587 --> 00:28:27,592 From the rest of the continent. 494 00:28:27,667 --> 00:28:30,272 And its function is to help control 495 00:28:30,307 --> 00:28:31,912 One species in particular. 496 00:28:31,987 --> 00:28:34,639 [music playing] 497 00:28:36,067 --> 00:28:40,072 In 1859, settlers bring rabbits to the continent 498 00:28:40,147 --> 00:28:44,359 And keep them in stables until a farmer releases 24 of them 499 00:28:44,434 --> 00:28:48,999 For hunting, an act with disastrous consequences. 500 00:28:49,074 --> 00:28:52,632 Without any natural enemies, the rabbits multiply 501 00:28:52,707 --> 00:28:55,232 And strip the land bare. 502 00:28:55,307 --> 00:28:57,872 The authorities offer bounties. 503 00:28:57,947 --> 00:28:59,799 And the fence is erected. 504 00:28:59,874 --> 00:29:02,639 [music playing] 505 00:29:04,627 --> 00:29:08,752 But as a protective measure, it's less than perfect. 506 00:29:08,787 --> 00:29:12,752 Wooden stakes rot and break, and the wire corrodes, 507 00:29:12,787 --> 00:29:14,592 Despite ongoing maintenance. 508 00:29:14,627 --> 00:29:17,279 [music playing] 509 00:29:19,714 --> 00:29:23,152 Even today, the devastation caused by rabbits 510 00:29:23,161 --> 00:29:25,392 To the environment and agriculture 511 00:29:25,467 --> 00:29:29,312 Is estimated to be in the region of one billion 512 00:29:29,321 --> 00:29:31,999 Australian dollars every year. 513 00:29:36,867 --> 00:29:40,359 Animals and plants continue to travel the world today, 514 00:29:40,434 --> 00:29:42,832 Usually by sea. 515 00:29:42,867 --> 00:29:46,359 Between 200 and 300 million containers 516 00:29:46,434 --> 00:29:48,999 Are in transit at any given moment, 517 00:29:49,074 --> 00:29:52,359 Giving humans an unprecedented number of choices. 518 00:29:52,434 --> 00:29:56,272 [music playing] 519 00:29:56,347 --> 00:30:00,192 Our world has become interconnected as never before. 520 00:30:00,201 --> 00:30:03,312 And the risks continue. 521 00:30:03,347 --> 00:30:05,872 The much loved banana, for instance, 522 00:30:05,907 --> 00:30:09,912 Hails from a single plant produced around 1830 523 00:30:09,987 --> 00:30:12,432 In an english greenhouse. 524 00:30:12,467 --> 00:30:16,192 Without genetic diversity, individual crops can become 525 00:30:16,227 --> 00:30:19,872 Targets of insects and disease. 526 00:30:19,907 --> 00:30:22,512 Even as widespread as bananas are, 527 00:30:22,547 --> 00:30:26,832 This makes them vulnerable to destruction. 528 00:30:26,867 --> 00:30:28,519 Hans-rudolf bork: [non-english speech] 529 00:30:29,447 --> 00:30:31,479 Interpreter: The globalization of field crops, 530 00:30:31,554 --> 00:30:34,272 Meaning cultivated plants, has led to us having ever fewer 531 00:30:34,347 --> 00:30:37,872 Varieties at our disposal. 532 00:30:37,907 --> 00:30:40,072 That's why pests of all sorts can spread widely 533 00:30:40,147 --> 00:30:43,752 Among certain species and remove them from the market 534 00:30:43,827 --> 00:30:45,712 So that specific fruits and vegetables 535 00:30:45,747 --> 00:30:47,312 Are no longer available. 536 00:30:47,347 --> 00:30:50,519 [non-english speech] 537 00:30:51,447 --> 00:30:54,632 Narrator: To counter this threat, humans around the globe 538 00:30:54,707 --> 00:30:56,672 Are going to great lengths to protect 539 00:30:56,681 --> 00:30:59,912 The genetic material of plants. 540 00:30:59,987 --> 00:31:02,992 In an uncertain future, seed banks 541 00:31:03,027 --> 00:31:05,232 Are one way to ensure that we'll have 542 00:31:05,267 --> 00:31:08,472 Plants to feed a hungry planet. 543 00:31:08,547 --> 00:31:11,199 [music playing] 544 00:31:13,107 --> 00:31:16,072 Global biodiversity is being protected by organizations 545 00:31:16,147 --> 00:31:19,112 Such as the millennium seed bank, south of london, 546 00:31:19,187 --> 00:31:22,792 Which contains seeds from all known british plants and others 547 00:31:22,867 --> 00:31:24,832 From around the world. 548 00:31:24,867 --> 00:31:27,072 If a species goes missing in the wild, 549 00:31:27,107 --> 00:31:31,152 These seeds ensure that cultivation can begin again. 550 00:31:31,161 --> 00:31:34,192 The extinction of plant species caused by humans 551 00:31:34,227 --> 00:31:37,392 Is occurring 500 times faster than it 552 00:31:37,467 --> 00:31:39,632 Would under natural conditions. 553 00:31:39,667 --> 00:31:43,912 As it currently stands, we're losing countless plant species 554 00:31:43,987 --> 00:31:45,232 Every year. 555 00:31:45,307 --> 00:31:47,272 The main purpose of the millennium seed bank 556 00:31:47,347 --> 00:31:51,912 Is as a conservation activity, a plant conservation activity. 557 00:31:51,987 --> 00:31:57,319 So we store seeds here for hopefully long periods, 558 00:31:57,394 --> 00:32:00,112 Many tens, if not hundreds of years. 559 00:32:00,147 --> 00:32:01,592 Dry and cold. 560 00:32:01,667 --> 00:32:03,919 [music playing] 561 00:32:05,507 --> 00:32:08,839 Narrator: In ethiopia, the approach is a little different. 562 00:32:08,914 --> 00:32:13,232 The seed bank in addis ababa was founded in 1976 563 00:32:13,267 --> 00:32:16,999 And is one of the oldest and largest in all of africa. 564 00:32:17,074 --> 00:32:22,359 They house an astonishing 62,000 plant varieties here. 565 00:32:22,434 --> 00:32:25,479 But they don't keep their seeds under lock and key. 566 00:32:25,554 --> 00:32:28,359 They want their farmers to use them. 567 00:32:28,434 --> 00:32:31,392 Teaching the farmers for conservation 568 00:32:31,427 --> 00:32:33,112 It doesn't work enough. 569 00:32:33,187 --> 00:32:35,752 They should get some sort of benefits. 570 00:32:35,827 --> 00:32:38,192 There is a saying in genetic research conservation, 571 00:32:38,227 --> 00:32:41,912 They call if you are-- if you are not going to use it, 572 00:32:41,987 --> 00:32:43,232 We are going to lose it. 573 00:32:43,267 --> 00:32:45,799 So some sort of utilization should 574 00:32:45,874 --> 00:32:47,952 Be connected with conservation. 575 00:32:47,987 --> 00:32:51,432 Otherwise, the farmers may not be interested to conserve it. 576 00:32:51,507 --> 00:32:54,272 Narrator: The approach has been highly successful, 577 00:32:54,307 --> 00:32:56,999 As ethiopia has maintained its biodiversity 578 00:32:57,074 --> 00:32:58,839 Over the years. 579 00:32:58,914 --> 00:33:01,552 Since the country has a variety of terrain, 580 00:33:01,587 --> 00:33:05,632 From mountains to deserts and tropical forests, 581 00:33:05,667 --> 00:33:08,792 Farmers make good use of the different seeds available. 582 00:33:08,867 --> 00:33:11,679 [music playing] 583 00:33:13,427 --> 00:33:15,432 Back at the millennium seed bank, 584 00:33:15,507 --> 00:33:18,672 They're focused on the seeds of wild plants. 585 00:33:18,707 --> 00:33:21,952 They've got more than two billion seeds here 586 00:33:21,961 --> 00:33:25,959 From some 38,000 species. 587 00:33:26,034 --> 00:33:28,432 So we have the backup mechanism here 588 00:33:28,467 --> 00:33:29,799 Against extinction. 589 00:33:29,874 --> 00:33:33,552 And we encourage, as far as is possible, 590 00:33:33,627 --> 00:33:35,712 That our collections are used now and not 591 00:33:35,747 --> 00:33:40,032 Just when the emergency arises. 592 00:33:40,067 --> 00:33:42,912 Narrator: To keep the seeds in the best state possible, 593 00:33:42,947 --> 00:33:46,272 They're examined on arrival and then regularly checked 594 00:33:46,347 --> 00:33:48,239 For their ability to germinate. 595 00:33:50,707 --> 00:33:53,799 Yet, as much as seed banks are helping to preserve life 596 00:33:53,874 --> 00:33:57,272 In the age of humans, all living things relate 597 00:33:57,347 --> 00:33:59,872 To each other in complex ways. 598 00:33:59,947 --> 00:34:03,392 Take insects, for example, they pollinate 599 00:34:03,427 --> 00:34:07,872 Most of the world's plants, both in the wild and on farms. 600 00:34:07,907 --> 00:34:11,319 If insect pollination were a man-made service, 601 00:34:11,394 --> 00:34:13,799 Some estimate that it would be valued 602 00:34:13,874 --> 00:34:17,632 At up to $500 billion a year. 603 00:34:17,667 --> 00:34:19,872 Yet, modern farming methods have shaped 604 00:34:19,947 --> 00:34:22,432 Landscapes where insects are finding it 605 00:34:22,467 --> 00:34:24,679 Harder and harder to survive. 606 00:34:24,754 --> 00:34:27,519 [music playing] 607 00:34:29,507 --> 00:34:33,472 Volunteers of the entomologic society of krefeld, germany 608 00:34:33,507 --> 00:34:36,632 Have been closely monitoring the presence of insects 609 00:34:36,707 --> 00:34:40,472 In parts of the country for decades. 610 00:34:40,547 --> 00:34:43,592 In 2017, one of their studies makes 611 00:34:43,667 --> 00:34:46,752 Headlines all over the world. 612 00:34:46,787 --> 00:34:50,432 Their research indicates that the number of flying insects 613 00:34:50,467 --> 00:34:54,679 In parts of germany has diminished more than 75% 614 00:34:54,754 --> 00:34:56,679 In the last 30 years. 615 00:34:56,754 --> 00:34:59,319 [music playing] 616 00:35:02,274 --> 00:35:05,472 Of the 28 species of bumblebees once observed 617 00:35:05,507 --> 00:35:10,272 Around the city of krefeld, a staggering 19 of those species 618 00:35:10,347 --> 00:35:12,592 Are now extinct. 619 00:35:12,627 --> 00:35:16,672 In fact, bees are in decline all around the world, 620 00:35:16,707 --> 00:35:20,752 Caused by a variety of factors, including pesticides, 621 00:35:20,787 --> 00:35:23,919 Habitat loss, and climate change. 622 00:35:27,347 --> 00:35:32,632 In china, vanishing insects have long had dramatic consequences. 623 00:35:32,707 --> 00:35:34,999 These days, fruit-bearing trees are 624 00:35:35,074 --> 00:35:37,632 Actually pollinated by hand. 625 00:35:37,641 --> 00:35:40,512 Locals hope the insects that used to live here 626 00:35:40,547 --> 00:35:42,792 Will return one day. 627 00:35:42,867 --> 00:35:46,072 But there is no way of telling when or if 628 00:35:46,147 --> 00:35:47,112 That will ever happen. 629 00:35:47,187 --> 00:35:49,679 [music playing] 630 00:35:51,001 --> 00:35:54,272 The insect crisis is, in fact, so dire 631 00:35:54,307 --> 00:35:57,392 That labs like those at mit in boston 632 00:35:57,427 --> 00:36:01,392 Are imagining how technology might help. 633 00:36:01,427 --> 00:36:06,199 Their idea-- tiny robot bees. 634 00:36:06,274 --> 00:36:08,352 It's all theoretical at the moment. 635 00:36:08,387 --> 00:36:10,272 And it won't solve the problem, 636 00:36:10,307 --> 00:36:14,352 But it might provide useful insight for future solutions. 637 00:36:14,387 --> 00:36:17,239 [music playing] 638 00:36:18,214 --> 00:36:19,952 Elizabeth farell helbing: We're thinking about, you know, 639 00:36:19,987 --> 00:36:21,912 Putting power on board, giving them 640 00:36:21,987 --> 00:36:23,552 Some level of intelligence. 641 00:36:23,587 --> 00:36:26,679 Then you're thinking about any type of application 642 00:36:26,754 --> 00:36:29,712 Where you want to send a lot of them 643 00:36:29,747 --> 00:36:31,392 Out into the world at the same time. 644 00:36:31,427 --> 00:36:33,592 So they would be really good at, you know, 645 00:36:33,667 --> 00:36:36,832 Distributed sensor networks or environmental monitoring, 646 00:36:36,867 --> 00:36:38,719 Crop pollination, things like that. 647 00:36:41,267 --> 00:36:45,272 Narrator: Manufacturing mini drones, less than an inch long 648 00:36:45,347 --> 00:36:47,872 And weighing a tiny fraction of an ounce, 649 00:36:47,947 --> 00:36:50,999 Is definitely a challenge. 650 00:36:51,074 --> 00:36:52,512 [wings flapping] 651 00:36:52,547 --> 00:36:54,112 Elizabeth farell helbing: We were really inspired 652 00:36:54,147 --> 00:36:55,952 By children's pop-up books. 653 00:36:55,987 --> 00:36:58,632 And so what happens is you have individual sheets that are 654 00:36:58,707 --> 00:37:00,472 Cut and patterned individually. 655 00:37:00,547 --> 00:37:02,832 And then we laminate them all together into a structure. 656 00:37:02,841 --> 00:37:05,632 And so this allows us to get a lot of the hinges and joints 657 00:37:05,667 --> 00:37:07,552 That we need to put them all together. 658 00:37:07,587 --> 00:37:11,999 And then you can create a 3d structure from a 2d sheet. 659 00:37:14,434 --> 00:37:17,432 Narrator: The mini robot may soon be ready to fly. 660 00:37:17,507 --> 00:37:20,632 Yet we're still a long way from robot bees 661 00:37:20,707 --> 00:37:24,432 Capable of pollinating entire fields. 662 00:37:24,467 --> 00:37:26,679 [elephants grunting] 663 00:37:28,067 --> 00:37:30,679 Insects aren't the only beings that are fighting for survival 664 00:37:30,754 --> 00:37:32,192 In the age of humans. 665 00:37:32,227 --> 00:37:35,079 [birds quacking] 666 00:37:36,547 --> 00:37:40,672 Changes on earth are threatening creatures great and small. 667 00:37:40,707 --> 00:37:43,319 [music playing] 668 00:37:44,707 --> 00:37:47,112 Robert watson: We are currently losing a significant number 669 00:37:47,187 --> 00:37:48,792 Of species. 670 00:37:48,867 --> 00:37:52,272 And populations of species are already going down. 671 00:37:52,307 --> 00:37:56,032 Some people would argue in the sixth mass extinction, 672 00:37:56,107 --> 00:38:01,392 The first one ever to be caused by human activity. 673 00:38:01,427 --> 00:38:05,272 Narrator: About 25% of all species that have been studied 674 00:38:05,347 --> 00:38:09,959 Are seriously threatened with extinction. 675 00:38:10,034 --> 00:38:11,792 Meanwhile, the world's population 676 00:38:11,827 --> 00:38:14,752 Is expected to increase by two billion people 677 00:38:14,787 --> 00:38:18,839 In the next 30 years, according to the united nations, 678 00:38:18,914 --> 00:38:24,032 From 7.7 to 9.7 billion. 679 00:38:24,107 --> 00:38:27,472 Feeding humanity will be a challenge in the years to come. 680 00:38:27,507 --> 00:38:33,232 And experts believe our best hope lies in africa. 681 00:38:33,267 --> 00:38:35,399 [music playing] 682 00:38:39,107 --> 00:38:41,592 As the human population is expected to grow 683 00:38:41,667 --> 00:38:45,112 By two billion people in the next three decades, 684 00:38:45,187 --> 00:38:48,112 Some think that africa will become the breadbasket 685 00:38:48,147 --> 00:38:51,639 Of the planet since it's one of the few regions left 686 00:38:51,714 --> 00:38:53,719 With lots of land and water. 687 00:38:58,107 --> 00:39:01,072 The greatest challenge for the world in the decades ahead 688 00:39:01,147 --> 00:39:04,312 Lies in advancing the economic development 689 00:39:04,387 --> 00:39:08,672 Of a growing population while conserving the biodiversity 690 00:39:08,707 --> 00:39:12,752 Needed to keep plant and animal species healthy. 691 00:39:12,787 --> 00:39:13,959 Interpreter: Climate change is the word 692 00:39:14,034 --> 00:39:15,792 Of the hour these days. 693 00:39:15,827 --> 00:39:18,752 But the losses in biodiversity are a much graver problem. 694 00:39:18,787 --> 00:39:20,512 Species develop over hundreds of thousands 695 00:39:20,521 --> 00:39:22,832 Or even over millions of years. 696 00:39:22,867 --> 00:39:24,632 So there won't be enough time for new species 697 00:39:24,707 --> 00:39:27,632 To grow to replace those we lose today. 698 00:39:27,667 --> 00:39:29,432 We may hope to get a grip on climate change 699 00:39:29,507 --> 00:39:32,352 And turn back the clock during the next years or decades. 700 00:39:32,387 --> 00:39:34,272 As for biodiversity, however, 701 00:39:34,307 --> 00:39:37,952 Once a species has become extinct, it's lost forever. 702 00:39:37,987 --> 00:39:41,639 [non-english speech] 703 00:39:41,714 --> 00:39:43,952 Narrator: That means innovation will be important 704 00:39:43,987 --> 00:39:47,792 To our future, not just for survival but for the quality 705 00:39:47,801 --> 00:39:51,072 Of life we're able to maintain. 706 00:39:51,107 --> 00:39:55,159 Some intriguing new models are already beginning to grow. 707 00:39:55,234 --> 00:39:57,959 [music playing] 708 00:39:59,747 --> 00:40:02,832 In a former steel factory near new york city, 709 00:40:02,867 --> 00:40:05,792 So-called vertical farms grow arugula, kale, 710 00:40:05,827 --> 00:40:08,312 And other greens in a computer-controlled 711 00:40:08,387 --> 00:40:13,392 Environment, all without soil. 712 00:40:13,427 --> 00:40:15,112 It's called aerofarms. 713 00:40:15,187 --> 00:40:18,792 And it boasts 20 to 30 harvests every year, 714 00:40:18,867 --> 00:40:22,832 Using 95% less water than traditional farming, 715 00:40:22,867 --> 00:40:27,072 All close to the consumers who eat it. 716 00:40:27,147 --> 00:40:30,999 Our mission is to build farms in cities all over the world 717 00:40:31,074 --> 00:40:34,432 So everyone has access to fresh, healthy, safe food. 718 00:40:34,467 --> 00:40:38,672 And in doing so is to take an understanding of plant science 719 00:40:38,707 --> 00:40:41,872 To new levels, be better farmers-- 720 00:40:41,907 --> 00:40:43,479 So understanding how to deliver 721 00:40:43,554 --> 00:40:46,679 What a plant wants, understanding what a plant wants 722 00:40:46,754 --> 00:40:49,472 And then how to deliver it. 723 00:40:49,481 --> 00:40:51,632 Narrator: In this computer-controlled environment, 724 00:40:51,667 --> 00:40:54,272 Water, light, and fertilizer are given 725 00:40:54,347 --> 00:40:56,832 In just the right amounts. 726 00:40:56,867 --> 00:40:59,799 Yet, as much as we need innovations like this, 727 00:40:59,874 --> 00:41:02,672 They do come with trade-offs. 728 00:41:02,707 --> 00:41:05,072 Some operations use more fossil fuels 729 00:41:05,107 --> 00:41:07,632 To produce each unit of food. 730 00:41:07,667 --> 00:41:09,872 And this kind of produce can also be 731 00:41:09,907 --> 00:41:11,519 More expensive for consumers. 732 00:41:14,914 --> 00:41:19,432 But 30 harvests a year with 95% less water consumption 733 00:41:19,507 --> 00:41:21,639 Is a promising beginning. 734 00:41:23,961 --> 00:41:26,952 Human innovation will need to continue 735 00:41:27,027 --> 00:41:30,719 To address farming in all the diverse areas of the planet. 736 00:41:33,874 --> 00:41:38,072 According to experts, earth is capable of feeding up 737 00:41:38,147 --> 00:41:40,519 To 12 billion people. 738 00:41:40,594 --> 00:41:43,272 But that can only happen if countries cooperate 739 00:41:43,347 --> 00:41:47,432 With each other and humans continue to conserve and find 740 00:41:47,507 --> 00:41:50,032 New ways of growing food. 741 00:41:50,067 --> 00:41:52,679 [music playing] 742 00:41:52,754 --> 00:41:54,312 Will steffen: We are still ultimately 743 00:41:54,387 --> 00:41:55,872 Dependent on the biosphere. 744 00:41:55,947 --> 00:41:57,872 That's where our food comes from. 745 00:41:57,907 --> 00:41:59,752 That's where we go when we die and so on. 746 00:41:59,827 --> 00:42:01,392 We're part of the great cycle of life. 747 00:42:01,467 --> 00:42:03,159 Our job is to be stewards. 748 00:42:03,234 --> 00:42:06,312 That's what human life should be all about, rather than trying 749 00:42:06,387 --> 00:42:10,199 To extract so much wealth, so much resources out that we're 750 00:42:10,274 --> 00:42:11,952 Not very happy ourselves. 751 00:42:11,961 --> 00:42:14,192 You know, most happiness indexes say our happiness 752 00:42:14,201 --> 00:42:15,959 Is actually going down. 753 00:42:16,034 --> 00:42:17,872 At the same time, we're disrupting the biosphere. 754 00:42:17,907 --> 00:42:20,192 [music playing] 755 00:42:20,227 --> 00:42:22,679 Narrator: Planet earth and its creatures 756 00:42:22,754 --> 00:42:24,912 Are truly things of beauty. 757 00:42:24,947 --> 00:42:28,312 And today, we're able to see the planet more completely 758 00:42:28,387 --> 00:42:30,432 Than humans ever have-- 759 00:42:30,507 --> 00:42:34,672 From the sky and even from space. 760 00:42:34,681 --> 00:42:38,352 These magnificent views can actually change 761 00:42:38,387 --> 00:42:39,952 Our perception of the world. 762 00:42:39,961 --> 00:42:42,599 They call it the overview effect. 763 00:42:45,107 --> 00:42:47,232 Ben grant: Ultimately, what lies underneath the project 764 00:42:47,307 --> 00:42:49,639 Is this psychological idea of awe. 765 00:42:49,714 --> 00:42:51,472 And awe is when you're exposed to something 766 00:42:51,507 --> 00:42:53,952 Perceptually vast, when you see something 767 00:42:53,987 --> 00:42:55,472 Complex or large in size. 768 00:42:55,507 --> 00:42:58,272 And that's often what you're seeing in one of our images. 769 00:42:58,307 --> 00:43:00,752 When you experience awe on a regular basis, 770 00:43:00,787 --> 00:43:03,159 You are more likely to be prosocial, 771 00:43:03,234 --> 00:43:05,152 More willing to collaborate, and more 772 00:43:05,187 --> 00:43:06,312 Likely to protect the planet. 773 00:43:06,387 --> 00:43:09,199 [music playing] 774 00:43:11,027 --> 00:43:14,272 Narrator: The age of humans has definitely changed 775 00:43:14,307 --> 00:43:16,832 The landscape of planet earth. 776 00:43:16,867 --> 00:43:20,432 Our ingenuity has served us well so far. 777 00:43:20,467 --> 00:43:23,112 We figured out how to feed billions 778 00:43:23,187 --> 00:43:26,039 And how to power healthy, productive lives. 779 00:43:26,774 --> 00:43:30,672 But we're also facing serious questions. 780 00:43:30,681 --> 00:43:33,159 How should we respond to signs that earth 781 00:43:33,234 --> 00:43:37,799 Is sending us that we may be taking too much from the land? 782 00:43:39,161 --> 00:43:41,392 Is there a time in the future 783 00:43:41,427 --> 00:43:45,919 When the land becomes incapable of supporting all our needs? 784 00:43:46,627 --> 00:43:53,432 How it ends may be up to us and what we do in the years to come. 785 00:43:53,507 --> 00:43:56,359 [music playing]