Our Planet | One Planet | FULL EPISODE | Netflix

Summary

In this compelling documentary narrated by David Attenborough, we explore the delicate balance of nature and the critical state of our planet. Over the last 50 years, wildlife populations have plummeted by 60%, and the stability of ecosystems is threatened. From the rich marine life along the Peruvian coast to the fragile migrations of flamingos and caribou, we witness the profound interconnectedness of life. The series highlights the urgent need to preserve our natural world to ensure the survival of both humanity and nature. Visit ourplanet.com to learn more about how to make a difference.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Human population has more than doubled since the first moon landing 50 years ago.
• 🌱 The series celebrates natural wonders and highlights the importance of preserving them for the future.
• 🦅 Wildlife populations have declined by 60% in the last 50 years.
• 🌿 The natural world is resilient, and with our help, the planet can recover.
• 🐟 Along the Peruvian coast, seabirds congregate to breed and fish in nutrient-rich waters brought by the Humboldt Current.
• 🏜 Deserts provide nutrients for ocean life through dust carried by winds.
• 🦩 The stability of life relies on connections between different habitats, such as the migration of flamingos to breed in rare, perfect conditions.
• 🦓 Predictable rainfall supports rich and diverse ecosystems, like the wildebeest herds in the Serengeti.
• 🌳 Tropical forests, despite covering only 7% of the land, support half of all land species and complex interdependent relationships.
• ❄️ The stability of polar regions is crucial for all life on Earth, but they are rapidly changing due to global warming, affecting ice cover and sea levels.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of this series narrated by David Attenborough?

The main purpose of the series is to celebrate the natural wonders that remain on Earth and reveal what must be preserved to ensure that both people and nature can thrive.

How has the human population changed since the moon landing 50 years ago?

Since the moon landing 50 years ago, the human population has more than doubled.

What has happened to wildlife populations in the last 50 years?

In the last 50 years, wildlife populations have, on average, declined by 60 percent.

What crucial role does the Humboldt Current play along the Peruvian coast?

The Humboldt Current sweeps up from the Antarctic, bringing rich nutrients from the ocean's depths, which supports the vast colonies of seabirds that breed and feed in this region.

How do winds from distant deserts contribute to ocean life?

Winds sweep up two billion tons of dust into the sky each year, with at least a quarter eventually falling on the sea, providing nutrients needed by microscopic organisms that form the foundation of ocean life.

What unique adaptation helps the lesser flamingos survive in a hostile environment?

Lesser flamingos build mounds of mud to raise their eggs, keeping them cooler than the ground level, and nest in water so salty that predators do not venture into it, thus protecting the nests.

How does rainfall impact the Serengeti plains and its wildlife?

Seasonal rains in the Serengeti plains bring new grass that supports over a million wildebeest. The herds follow the rains to find fresh grazing, and the regularity of the rains is crucial for their migration and survival.

What is the significance of the relationships between plants and animals in tropical forests?

In tropical forests, plants often depend on animals to pollinate their flowers. These intimate connections are crucial for the survival of many species and highlight the complex interdependencies within these ecosystems.

What challenge do caribou face during winter in the boreal forest?

During winter, caribou travel south to the boreal forest for food and shelter, but they are pursued by wolves, which specialize in hunting caribou in the deep snow and forested areas.

How is the stability of life on Earth threatened by changes in the polar regions?

The polar regions are warming faster than any other part of the planet, leading to melting sea ice and glaciers. This disrupts crucial global connections, raises sea levels, and alters ocean currents, threatening the stability of life on Earth.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 Reflections on Earth's Transformation

This paragraph reflects on the significant changes to Earth's environment and biodiversity over the past 50 years. It begins with the moon landing and the subsequent realization of our planet's vulnerability. The script highlights the doubling of the human population and the concurrent 60% decline in wildlife populations. It emphasizes the need for understanding and preserving nature's resilience to ensure a thriving coexistence of humans and wildlife, with a particular focus on the remarkable seabird colonies along the Peruvian coast and their reliance on the rich marine ecosystem fueled by the Humboldt Current.

05:02

🐬 Oceanic Interconnections and Life's Abundance

The second paragraph delves into the intricate connections that sustain life in the oceans. It describes how the Humboldt Current enriches the waters off the Peruvian coast, supporting a vast seabird migration and a feeding frenzy of cormorants and boobies hunting anchovies. The paragraph also explores the unexpected sources of oceanic nutrients, such as dust from deserts carried by winds, and how these nutrients support the base of the marine food chain. The narrative includes the cooperative hunting strategies between dolphins and birds, showcasing the interconnectedness of life in the open ocean.

10:02

🌧️ The Delicate Balance of Terrestrial Ecosystems

This paragraph discusses the critical role of water in sustaining life on land, focusing on the uneven distribution of rainfall and its impact on various habitats. It paints a stark picture of a waterless African salt pan and the miraculous transformation it undergoes after a rare deluge, attracting lesser flamingos for breeding. The narrative details the challenges faced by flamingo chicks in their quest for fresh water, highlighting the fragility of life in such extreme environments and the importance of maintaining these habitats for the survival of species.

15:03

🐃 The Serengeti's Cycle of Life and Migration

The fourth paragraph shifts focus to the Serengeti plains, illustrating the rich and complex ecosystem that supports over a million wildebeest. It describes the annual migration of wildebeest following the seasonal rains and the synchronized calving season that occurs within a three-week period. The script also highlights the challenges faced by young calves, the importance of staying within the protective herd, and the constant threat of predators like hunting dogs, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life and the necessity of preserving these natural rhythms.

20:08

🌿 The Diversity and Interdependence of Tropical Forests

The fifth paragraph celebrates the unparalleled biodiversity of tropical forests, which are home to half of all land-living animal species. It describes the complex relationships between plants and animals, such as the mutualistic interaction between orchid bees and orchids, where the bees collect perfume while inadvertently pollinating the flowers. The script also touches on the unique behaviors of manakins and their elaborate mating dances, showcasing the richness of life in these stable, rainforest ecosystems.

25:13

💃 The Elaborate Mating Rituals of Manakins

This paragraph focuses on the extraordinary mating rituals of manakin birds in the tropical rainforests. It details the various species' unique dance routines, designed to attract females, from the golden-collared manakin's acrobatic display to the blue manakin's synchronized group performance. The narrative captures the intensity and beauty of these rituals, reflecting the intricate dynamics of rainforest life and the importance of such behaviors in species survival and propagation.

30:14

🌲 The Resilience of Boreal Forests and Their Inhabitants

The seventh paragraph explores the harsh conditions of the boreal forest, which spans North America and Eurasia, and the species that have adapted to survive its frigid winters. It follows the migration of caribou seeking shelter in the forest and the wolves that hunt them. The script describes the wolves' hunting strategies and the caribou's adaptations, illustrating the cycle of life and the importance of preserving these seasonal habitats for the continued existence of these species.

35:16

🐻 The Rapid Changes in Polar Regions

This paragraph discusses the alarming rate of change in the Earth's polar regions, particularly the Arctic, where warming is occurring faster than in any other area. It highlights the impact on polar bears, whose hunting grounds are melting, and the Greenland ice sheet, which is losing mass at an accelerating rate. The script emphasizes the importance of these icy regions in regulating global temperatures and the potential global consequences of their rapid transformation.

40:19

❄️ The Impact of Melting Ice on Global Ecosystems

The ninth paragraph examines the global implications of melting ice, both on land and at sea. It explains how the increased freshwater from melting glaciers and ice sheets is affecting sea levels, salinity, and ocean currents, with specific mention of the Humboldt Current's importance to the Peruvian coast. The script underscores the interconnectedness of Earth's ecosystems and the far-reaching effects of climate change on biodiversity and habitat stability.

45:57

🌍 The Urgency of Climate Action for a Shared Future

The concluding paragraph calls for immediate action to address the urgent climate crisis, emphasizing the next 20 years as a critical period for determining the future of all life on Earth. It invites viewers to engage with the series to explore Earth's vital habitats and learn about conservation efforts. The paragraph ends with a message of unity and collective responsibility, set to the song 'In This Together' by Ellie Goulding, which encapsulates the spirit of global cooperation needed to restore and protect our planet.

Keywords

💡Human Population

The term 'human population' refers to the number of people inhabiting the Earth. In the video, it is noted that the human population has more than doubled in the last 50 years, highlighting the rapid growth and its impact on the planet. This increase is significant as it has led to greater strain on natural resources and ecosystems.

💡Wildlife Decline

Wildlife decline refers to the decrease in the number of animal species and their populations. The video states that in the last 50 years, wildlife populations have declined by 60 percent on average. This decline is attributed to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.

💡Natural Wonders

Natural wonders are extraordinary natural phenomena or features that inspire awe. The video aims to celebrate these wonders, such as the rich marine life along the Peruvian coast and the vast herds in the Serengeti, underscoring the beauty and diversity of Earth's ecosystems that must be preserved.

💡Humboldt Current

The Humboldt Current is a cold, nutrient-rich oceanic current that flows north along the western coast of South America. It is crucial for supporting the abundant marine life seen in the video, including the massive colonies of seabirds and the dense shoals of anchovies. This current exemplifies the interconnectedness of oceanic systems and their influence on coastal biodiversity.

💡Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth. The video highlights how climate change, driven by human activities, is causing rapid and detrimental changes in ecosystems, such as the melting of Arctic sea ice and the accelerated loss of Greenland's glaciers. These changes threaten global stability and biodiversity.

💡Migration

Migration is the large-scale movement of species from one habitat to another, often seasonally. Examples in the video include the daily migration of seabirds to feed and the annual journey of caribou and wildebeest following seasonal rains. Migration is vital for the survival of these species, showcasing the need for large, connected habitats.

💡Boreal Forest

The boreal forest, also known as taiga, is the world's largest land biome, stretching across North America and Eurasia. It provides critical refuge for species like caribou and wolves during harsh winters. The video emphasizes its importance in sustaining life despite the extreme conditions, highlighting the need to protect these vast forested areas.

💡Pollination

Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from one flower to another, leading to fertilization and the production of seeds. In the video, the relationship between orchid bees and orchids illustrates this process. Bees collect perfumes from orchids while inadvertently aiding in the plant's reproduction. This mutualistic relationship is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in tropical forests.

💡Ice Loss

Ice loss refers to the reduction of ice mass in polar regions and glaciers. The video shows the dramatic calving of icebergs from Greenland's Store Glacier and the diminishing Arctic sea ice. This phenomenon contributes to rising sea levels and disrupts oceanic currents, highlighting the broader impacts of climate change on global stability.

💡Rainforest

Rainforests are dense, tropical forests with high biodiversity and consistent rainfall. They support half of all land-dwelling species, as depicted in the video with the rich, complex ecosystems of tropical forests. The video underscores the importance of rainforests for global biodiversity and the intricate interdependencies among species that inhabit them.

Highlights

50 years ago, humans first ventured to the moon and looked back at Earth, marking a significant moment in human history.

The human population has more than doubled in the last 50 years, with profound implications for the environment and natural resources.

Wildlife populations have declined by an average of 60 percent over the past 50 years, indicating a critical loss of biodiversity.

The natural world's resilience is highlighted, suggesting that with human help, the planet can still recover from environmental damage.

Seabirds on the Peruvian coast congregate in millions, showcasing the astonishing biodiversity in certain areas.

The Humboldt Current's role in enriching marine life and supporting massive seabird colonies is emphasized.

Deserts, surprisingly, contribute to ocean life by providing nutrients through dust carried by wind, illustrating the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

Dolphins and seabirds cooperate in hunting mackerel, demonstrating the intricate relationships between different species in the food chain.

The importance of rain distribution for supporting life on land, especially in harsh environments like the African salt pans, is discussed.

Lesser flamingos' unique breeding behavior in response to rare rainfall events highlights the dependency of wildlife on environmental conditions.

The wildebeest migration in the Serengeti plains, driven by seasonal rains, illustrates the impact of climate patterns on large-scale animal movements.

Tropical rainforests support an unparalleled richness of life, with half of all land-living animal species found in these ecosystems.

The complex relationships between plants and animals, such as orchid bees and orchids, underscore the delicate balance of biodiversity.

Manakin birds' elaborate mating dances in the rainforest reflect the unique behaviors that have evolved in stable ecosystems.

The boreal forest's importance as a refuge for species that can withstand harsh winters, and the impact of climate change on these environments, is highlighted.

Caribou and wolf interactions in the boreal forest during winter demonstrate the predator-prey dynamics in seasonal ecosystems.

The rapid warming of the polar regions, with significant consequences for ice-dependent species like polar bears, is a major concern.

The melting of the Greenland ice sheet and its contribution to rising sea levels and disrupted ocean currents is a stark indicator of climate change.

The series promises to explore the planet's most important habitats and the life they support, emphasizing the need for conservation.

A call to action is made, stating that the next 20 years will be crucial in determining the future of all life on Earth.

The series encourages visiting ourplanet.com for more information on how to contribute to the planet's recovery and conservation efforts.

Transcripts

[static crackling]

[static crackling]

[indistinct muffled radio chatter]

[David Attenborough] Just 50 years ago,

we finally ventured to the moon.

For the very first time, we look back at our own planet.

Since then, the human population has more than doubled.

This series will celebrate the natural wonders that remain,

and reveal what we must preserve

to ensure people and nature thrive.

When human beings built their first settlements

some 10,000 years ago,

the world around them,

on the land and in the sea,

was full of life.

For generations, this stable Eden nurtured our growing civilizations.

But now, in the space of just one human lifetime,

all that has changed.

In the last 50 years,

wildlife populations have, on average, declined by 60 percent.

For the first time in human history,

the stability of nature can no longer be taken for granted.

[ice cracking]

But the natural world is resilient.

Great riches still remain.

And with our help, the planet can recover.

Never has it been more important to understand how the natural world works,

and how to help it.

[birds calling]

[waves crashing]

Wildlife still flourishes in astonishing numbers

in a few precious places.

Along the Peruvian coast of South America,

seabirds congregate in colonies millions strong.

They come here to breed.

[birds calling]

Every morning, the birds leave their colonies

to fish in one of the richest seas on Earth.

It is an astonishing daily migration

of five million birds.

The huge flocks of cormorants and boobies are all seeking one thing:

anchovies.

[water rushing]

The boobies carpet-bomb the shoals.

More and more birds join the feeding frenzy.

[water splashing]

[classical music score plays]

All in this immense assembly are here

because a powerful oceanic current, the Humboldt,

sweeps up from the Antarctic,

bringing with it rich nutrients from the ocean's depths.

90 percent of the life in the oceans

is found in the shallow seas close to the coast.

Away from the land,

the seas, for the most part, are a blue desert.

But even these distant waters may be enriched

by a most unexpected connection to the land.

Some deserts,

often hundreds of kilometers from the ocean,

provide the raw materials for life.

[wind blowing]

Every year, winds sweep up two billion tons of dust into the sky.

At least a quarter of it eventually falls on the sea,

providing nutrients needed by the microscopic organisms

that are the foundations of ocean life.

[water splashing]

Dolphins explore the vast, open ocean

in search of the riches that distant deserts may have nourished.

[dolphins spouting]

A shoal of mackerel has discovered a swarm of krill...

the small crustaceans

that feed on the ocean's floating microscopic plants.

But the mackerel themselves are food for the dolphins.

[dolphins whistling]

[water rushing]

They drive the mackerel towards the surface,

and into the range of birds.

Shearwaters.

The wings that normally propel the birds through the air

now drive them six meters down through the water.

[water rushing]

Whilst the birds pick off the top of the shoal...

the dolphins attack the underside.

[water rushing]

[dolphins whistling]

[water rushing]

After 20 minutes of feasting,

the predators from both the sea and the air

have had their fill.

The stability of life on our planet

relies on such connections between different habitats.

Water evaporating from the surface of the sea

condenses to form great clouds.

And these eventually release the fresh water as rain.

But these life-giving rains are not evenly spread over the land.

This vast salt pan in Africa

is all that remains of an ancient lake.

It's totally waterless and oven-hot.

Few places on the land are more hostile to life.

A few tracks cross it, made by animals searching unsuccessfully for water.

[snorting]

But very occasionally, this whole landscape is transformed.

[thunder rumbling]

[thunderclap]

A huge deluge drenches the salt pan.

[rain pouring]

[thunder rumbling]

Triggered by some unknown signal,

flocks of lesser flamingos arrive from thousands of kilometers away.

The algae that the flamingos feed on

have lain dormant as spores in the dust.

But most importantly,

the birds are here to breed.

Perfect conditions might occur only once in a decade.

[flamingos squawking]

The birds nest on an island far from the shore.

[mud splashing]

They build mounds of mud that raise up their eggs

and so keep them just marginally cooler than they would be at ground level.

[flamingos chattering]

The water surrounding the island is so salty

that predators do not venture into it.

So the nests are safe.

[squawking]

Thirty days later, thousands of chicks start to hatch.

But there is no shelter from the scorching sun.

The water that once surrounded their island, protecting them,

has now dried up altogether.

[cheeping]

The last to hatch step out into a desperately harsh world.

-[chicks cheeping] -[squawking]

[squawking]

Somehow or other, the growing chicks must find fresh water to drink.

-[cheeping] -[squawking]

They cannot yet fly, so they must walk, guided by some of the adults.

They may have to trek for 50 kilometers.

[frenzied cheeping and squawking]

Some... cannot keep up.

The salt has solidified around their legs.

[cheeps]

-[squawking] -[splashing]

Most of the chicks, in spite of everything,

and having walked for days,

eventually reach fresh water.

[frenzied squawking]

It is the end of a long journey...

but only the first of the trials that will be imposed on these flamingos

by the irregularity of the rains.

-[rainfall] -[snorting]

If rainfall is more predictable and certain,

then life can flourish more richly,

both in numbers and variety.

The Serengeti plains in East Africa support over a million wildebeest.

[grunting]

The herds follow the seasonal rains,

grazing on the newly-sprouting grass that comes in their wake.

[grunting continues]

Each year, within a three-week period,

the females give birth to over a quarter of a million calves.

[bleating]

This youngster is just a few days old.

Playing strengthens its legs for the long journey that lies ahead.

[grunting]

The calf must stay close to its mother.

Without her milk, it would starve.

-[snorting] -[grunting]

And the herds are always traveling,

following the rains as they drift across the plains

in order to find fresh grazing.

Eventually, they reach woodlands.

[birds chirping]

[grunting]

Hunting dogs.

Wildebeest calves are a favorite prey.

And the dogs are hungry.

The calf must stay with its mother, protected within the herd.

[wildebeest snorting]

The dogs have incredible stamina...

but the calf is defended by the herd.

They need the calf on its own.

[snorting]

[African wild dogs panting]

The mother blocks the dogs, shielding her calf.

It makes a run for safety.

And it just manages to get back to the herd.

The future of this whole migration depends on the regularity of the rains,

but also on the continued existence of the great open grasslands

across which the herds make their immense journeys.

-[insects chittering] -[birds calling]

In places where rains fall abundantly throughout the year, forests grow,

and in the warmth of the tropics,

they support an unparalleled richness of life.

[overlapping animal vocalizations]

Half of all the species of land-living animals

live in these stable worlds.

[bird whistling]

The sheer diversity is breathtaking.

We still have not catalogued

all the species that live in the tropical forests.

The relationships between them all are multitudinous and complex.

[wings buzzing]

Plants often depend on animals to pollinate their flowers.

And these intimate connections

are just as important as the great global ones.

[buzzing]

These are traps.

Flowers shaped like buckets,

produced by an orchid.

[buzzing]

Each red bucket is filled with an oily liquid that drips from above.

Male orchid bees need a rich perfume with which to impress their females,

and the orchids provide it.

But the bucket is slippery,

and the liquid into which the bee has fallen is sticky.

The only way to get out

is through a narrow tunnel.

As it emerges, the bee is gripped tight.

And that gives enough time for the plant

to glue pollen sacs on the bee's back.

So the orchid has its pollen taken to another plant...

and the bee is rewarded with a perfume,

with which, when it recovers its strength,

it can woo a female.

[water crashing]

There are no pronounced seasons in a rainforest.

It produces food in one form or another the year round.

It's so rich that the females of some birds

are able to raise their young entirely by themselves,

and that allows the males to spend their whole time attracting females...

[cheeps]

...as manakins do.

There are over 50 different species,

each with its own highly elaborate dance routine.

[cheeps]

The golden-collared manakin

starts by clearing his dance floor.

[cheeps]

A female arrives and he starts his routine,

rocketing from one perch to another.

[fluttering]

[cheeping]

She checks out every detail.

Finally, he performs his signature move.

[tweets]

The back-flip...

[calls]

...with twist.

[calls]

Perfection.

-[cheeps] -[whir of wings]

The red-capped manakin has a very different act.

[cheeps]

It's a kind of slither.

[cheeps]

[feet pattering]

[cheeps]

[cheeps]

With wing snaps.

[snap]

[calls]

-[cheep] -[snap]

[wings snapping]

But it doesn't seem to be working.

[cheeps]

[tweets]

[wings snapping]

She's seen enough.

[chirruping]

The most complex routine is that developed by the blue manakin.

The lead male is supported by three junior dancers.

[calling]

They practice together almost every day.

During rehearsals,

a young male in juvenile plumage stands in for the female.

[twittering]

The dance has to be perfectly synchronized.

[high-pitched tweets]

[chirrups]

With the lead male happy...

they're ready to present their dance to a female.

-[calling] -[fluttering]

In a carousel of movements, each male takes his turn at the front.

-[calling] -[fluttering]

The lead male performs the final move.

[high-pitched tweets]

Have they done enough?

What's her decision?

[chirruping]

It's...

a yes!

A great team effort.

[chirruping]

Tropical forests cover only seven percent of the planet's lands.

Away from the tropics, where the weather is seasonal and cooler,

they're very different.

The greatest of all is the boreal forest

that extends right across North America and Eurasia.

It cannot grow during the frigid grip of winter.

The forests are a crucial refuge

for the relatively few species that are able to survive here.

[wind howls]

As winter approaches,

caribou grazing on the open tundra to the north

head south to the forest to seek food and shelter.

Out here, temperatures may fall below minus 40 degrees centigrade.

The forest will give some protection from the worst of the weather.

But now the caribou are not traveling alone.

Wolves.

They live in the forest year-round.

And in the winter, they specialize in hunting caribou.

They must find the freshest tracks.

They move fast by avoiding the deep snow,

sticking to the hard-packed trails made by the caribou.

This wolf has found fresh scent.

The caribou must be close.

The herd chooses to stop to rest on a frozen lake.

Out in the open, they will be able to spot approaching danger.

[faint grunting]

And sure enough, the wolves catch up.

[caribou bleating]

They start to test the caribou,

probing for any weakness.

[rapid bleating]

Out on the open lake,

the caribou can outrun the wolves...

so the wolves drive them back  into the forest.

Here, in the deep snow, progress is much harder and slower.

[bleating]

And, hidden by the trees, the wolves can get closer.

The hunt is on.

[bleating]

[snorting]

[bleating]

The pack must decide which particular caribou to target

and which trail to take.

As the caribou scatter,

the leading wolf takes a wrong turn.

It's a crucial mistake, and the wolves abandon the chase.

With the coming of spring, the caribou will head north once more,

leaving the wolves and the forest behind.

They will travel 600 kilometers, crossing mountains to reach the tundra,

where the spring grass will be sprouting again,

and they can give birth.

But these migrations are a shadow of what they once were.

The herd has lost nearly 70 percent of its numbers

in the last 20 years.

Their world and all of our planet is now changing fast.

At the furthest polar extremes

lie the frozen wildernesses of Antarctica and the Arctic.

Though they may seem remote to many of us,

the stability of these icy wastes is crucial to all life on the planet.

But in just 70 years, things have changed at a frightening pace.

The polar regions are warming faster than any other part of the planet.

The Arctic in the north is a frozen ocean,

and the sea ice, on which all life here depends,

is disappearing.

[panting]

Polar bears

specialize in hunting seals out on the frozen ocean.

But that world is now, literally, melting beneath their feet.

The sea ice breaks up every year,

but now this is happening earlier,

and the bears' limited hunting season is getting shorter.

This is already having a profound impact.

[gentle snorting]

Cubs are growing up underweight,

which reduces their chances of survival.

[snuffling]

Within the lifetime of these cubs,

the Arctic in summer could be largely free of sea ice.

[gentle snorting]

It's not just the sea ice that is vanishing.

The ice that lies on land is also changing fast.

This is Greenland,

a vast expanse of ice one-fifth the size of the United States.

This glacial ice, together with the sea ice,

protects our planet by reflecting solar radiation away from the surface

and so preventing the Earth from overheating.

But the Arctic is warming dramatically.

The leading edge of the Store Glacier may appear to be motionless,

but glaciers can move at up to 45 meters a day.

[ice rumbling]

Where this one meets the sea, it towers 100 meters above the water,

and continues downward for another 400 meters

beneath the surface.

[ice cracking]

[waves rushing]

Over the last 20 years, Greenland has been losing ice.

And the rate of loss is accelerating.

[ice rumbling]

[crashing]

These massive icefalls from the top of the glacier

are just the beginnings

of a far greater event.

[icefalls crashing in distance]

A stretch of the front face of the glacier over a kilometer long

is starting to break away.

[ice rumbling]

[ice crashing]

From 400 meters beneath the surface,

the hidden ice is surging upwards.

[waves rushing]

[crashing]

The breakaway of an iceberg the size of a skyscraper

generates a colossal tidal wave.

[wave rushing]

-[crashing] -[rumbling]

[classical music score plays]

Within 20 minutes, 75 million tons of ice break free.

Glaciers have always released ice into the ocean,

but now this is happening nearly twice as fast

as it did ten years ago.

Around the world, ice is now feeding vast amounts of fresh water into the sea,

raising sea levels, changing salinity, and disrupting ocean currents.

Without the Humboldt Current, the coast of Peru would fall silent.

The seabird spectacle would be no more.

All across our planet, crucial connections are being disrupted.

The stability that we and all life relies upon is being lost.

What we do in the next 20 years

will determine the future for all life on Earth.

The rest of this series will explore the planet's most important habitats,

and celebrate the life they still support.

We will reveal what must be preserved

if we are to ensure a future where humans and nature can thrive.

Please visit ourplanet.com to find out how our planet can thrive again.

[Ellie Goulding: "In This Together"]

♪ I can hear the whole world Singing together ♪

♪ I can hear the whole world say "It's now or never" ♪

♪ 'Cause it's not too late If we change our ways ♪

♪ And connect the dots to our problems ♪

♪ I can hear the whole world say "We're in this together" ♪

♪ We're in this together ♪

[vocalizing]