CNN : Planet In Peril - 01/18

Summary

This documentary explores the interconnected crises of climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, and species loss, highlighting their immediate impacts. The team investigates illegal wildlife trafficking in Bangkok's JJ Market, a hub for endangered species trade. With the UN estimating species loss at 1,000 times the natural rate, the documentary underscores the urgency of addressing these environmental perils.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The documentary explores the interconnected global issues of climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, and species loss.
• 🌳 Forests are being lost, which means we are destroying nature's natural regulator and contributing to global warming.
• 🏝️ Islands are appearing due to rising sea levels caused by global warming, highlighting the immediate and tangible effects of climate change.
• 💧 Water pollution is so severe in some areas that it's causing health issues, including cancer, among local populations.
• 🐘 The illegal wildlife trade is a significant contributor to species extinction, with animals being trafficked globally for various purposes.
• 🐢 Endangered species like Madagascar's tortoises are being sold illegally in markets like Bangkok's JJ Market.
• 🚔 Thai police and conservationists are working together to combat illegal wildlife trade, facing challenges like evading the traders' scouts.
• 🔍 The documentary crew goes undercover to document the illegal sale of endangered animals, highlighting the scale of the problem.
• 💸 The illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar industry, with China and America identified as the top importers of illegal wildlife.
• 🐅 Species like tigers, bears, and sharks are being poached and their parts sold, contributing to their endangerment and extinction.

Q & A

What is the fundamental law of physics mentioned in the script?

The fundamental law of physics mentioned is for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

What is the main focus of the investigation in the documentary?

The main focus of the investigation is to understand the reasons behind the changes happening to the planet, including climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, and species loss.

Why are species disappearing at an alarming rate according to the UN estimate?

Species are disappearing at a rate 1,000 times the natural rate of extinction, partly due to the black market trade of wildlife.

What is the role of wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin in the documentary?

Jeff Corwin, a wildlife biologist, is helping the team investigate the illegal trade of endangered animals in Southeast Asia.

What is the significance of Bangkok's JJ Market in the context of the documentary?

Bangkok's JJ Market is one of the main hubs for illegal wildlife trafficking in Southeast Asia, where endangered animals are sold.

What challenges do the Thai police face when attempting to raid illegal wildlife sellers?

The Thai police face challenges such as the risk of being noticed by the wildlife traders' scouts, who can quickly alert the sellers, leading to them closing their shops and making it difficult for the police to enter.

What is the international treaty that is supposed to protect endangered species?

The international treaty mentioned is CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which is supposed to protect endangered species.

Who is Steve Galster and what is his role in the documentary?

Steve Galster is the co-founder of Wildlife Alliance, a conservation organization. He is helping train local law enforcement to recognize and protect native species and has experience going undercover to stop wildlife trading rackets.

What are some of the consequences of the illegal wildlife trade mentioned in the script?

Consequences of the illegal wildlife trade include the killing of endangered animals for meat, medicine, and trophies, as well as the cutting off of bear paws and shark fins for various uses.

What is the estimated annual value of the illegal wildlife trade?

The illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth between 10 and 20 billion dollars a year.

Who are the top two importers of illegal wildlife according to Steve Galster?

According to Steve Galster, the top two importers of illegal wildlife are China and America.