And they're not kidding. If you play any attention to the news, you know that Earth is not in a happy place right now. Though many would prefer not to hear what's on the horizon, we've all got to turn away from watching so much lousy fake reality programming and instead take some time to understand more important things. PBS is helping us to that end with its continuing series Journey to Planet Earth which returned last night on your local PBS station.
JtPE has been airing on 
and off since 2003, and the newest batch continues with on-air host Matt Damon, who's (mostly) been around for the whole project. A comprehensive study of the various environmental, ecological, and technological threats that our planet faces, Journey to Planet Earth is sobering and essential viewing for all Earthings. In other words, if you're reading this, you should be watching it.
and off since 2003, and the newest batch continues with on-air host Matt Damon, who's (mostly) been around for the whole project. A comprehensive study of the various environmental, ecological, and technological threats that our planet faces, Journey to Planet Earth is sobering and essential viewing for all Earthings. In other words, if you're reading this, you should be watching it. Last night's episode Plan B: Mobilizing to Save Civilization is based on the book Plan B by Lester Brown, founder of the Worldwatch Institute and a global environmental authority. (In fact, Ted Turner sent over three thousand copies of the book around to influential global leaders of state and industry back in 2003 when it first came out, and I'm guessing not enough of them read it, obviously). Brown's credentials and expertise are impeccable, and we ignore his message at our own peril.
If you don't believe in man-made climate change, then there's clearly nothing that brilliant scientists will be able to say that will make you understand. If you do get it, then the insights presented in Plan B: Mobilizing to Save Civilization may come as no surprise but will add to your understanding of this serious and ongoing crisis. Of course it's rather depressing, and that's no fun to contemplate perhaps, but we have to take our medicine, lace up our boots, and see what we might be able to do about it. Anything less is shirking off your position as a human being.
If you're unable to catch the show on-air, PBS is making it available for viewing online here, and you might also like to visit the YouTube channel of Journey to Planet Earth filmmakers Marilyn and Hal Weiner for more clips and info. If you are a teacher (or even if you're not), check out the terrific Educators' Guide here, too.
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