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.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Global Impacts of Environmental Degradation

The paragraph introduces the concept of interconnected environmental issues, emphasizing the ripple effects of human actions on the planet. It discusses the urgency of the situation, with real-time consequences such as deforestation, the discovery of islands due to global warming, and poisoned water sources affecting human health. The documentary's premise is set by highlighting the investigation into climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, and species loss, led by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin, and the narrator. The United Nations' estimate of species loss at 1,000 times the natural rate of extinction is presented as a staggering figure, with the black market trade of wildlife being a significant contributor to this crisis. The paragraph concludes with an introduction to an undercover operation in Bangkok's JJ Market, which is a hub for illegal wildlife trafficking, setting the stage for the investigative journey that follows.

05:01

🐢 The Dark Secrets of Wildlife Trafficking

This paragraph delves into the illegal wildlife trade at Bangkok's JJ Market, detailing the challenges faced by law enforcement and conservationists in combating this lucrative and dangerous industry. It describes the market's facade as a typical Thai market with a hidden underbelly of illegal wildlife sales. The paragraph introduces Steve Galster, a conservationist with extensive experience in undercover operations, who is working with the Thai police to identify and protect endangered species. The scale of the problem is underscored by the United Nations Environmental Program's estimate of 18 to 50,000 species lost annually due to human activities. The paragraph also discusses the high value placed on endangered animals, such as the South American marmosets, and the difficulty in conducting surveillance and raids due to the traders' vigilance and the challenges in enforcing international treaties. The narrative culminates in a planned raid by the Thai police, with the team preparing to navigate the market's labyrinthine structure and the potential risks of being discovered by the traders.

Keywords

💡Action and Reaction

This phrase refers to Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the context of the video, it metaphorically describes the consequences of human actions on the environment, suggesting that environmental harm is not without repercussions. The script uses this concept to introduce the theme of the documentary, which is the investigation into how human activities are causing ripple effects that are putting the planet in peril.

💡Ripple Effects

Ripple effects are the indirect and often unforeseen consequences of an action or event. In the video, this term is used to describe the cascading impacts of human activities on the environment, such as deforestation, climate change, and species loss. The script mentions that these effects are not just predictions but are happening now, affecting various parts of the world in different ways.

💡Deforestation

Deforestation is the process of clearing forests by cutting down trees. The script discusses deforestation as a significant contributor to environmental degradation and climate change, as forests are essential for absorbing carbon dioxide and maintaining biodiversity. The mention of 'forests are lost' in the script highlights the immediate and severe consequences of this practice.

💡Global Warming

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases. The script mentions an island that 'exists because of global warming,' illustrating how this phenomenon can lead to tangible changes in the physical world, such as the formation of new land masses due to rising sea levels.

💡Endangered Species

Endangered species are those that are at risk of extinction in the wild. The video script discusses the illegal trade of endangered animals, which is a significant factor contributing to their decline. The mention of 'endangered tortoises from Madagascar' being sold in the market underscores the urgency of conservation efforts and the challenges in protecting these species.

💡Illegal Wildlife Trade

The illegal wildlife trade involves the buying, selling, and transporting of protected or endangered species without proper authorization. The script provides an in-depth look at this trade in Bangkok's JJ Market, where rare and endangered animals are sold. This trade not only threatens species' survival but also undermines international efforts to conserve biodiversity.

💡Overpopulation

Overpopulation refers to a situation where the number of individuals in a population exceeds the carrying capacity of the environment. The script touches on overpopulation as one of the interconnected problems contributing to environmental degradation. The term is linked to issues like resource depletion and habitat destruction, which are exacerbated by the growing human population.

💡Species Loss

Species loss, or extinction, is the permanent disappearance of a species from the Earth. The script highlights that the United Nations estimates we are losing species at 1,000 times the natural rate of extinction. This loss is a critical concern because each species plays a unique role in its ecosystem, and their disappearance can have cascading effects on the environment.

💡Conservationist

A conservationist is someone who works to protect and preserve natural resources, wildlife, and ecosystems. The script introduces Steve gster, a conservationist who has gone undercover to help law enforcement agencies combat illegal wildlife trade. His role exemplifies the efforts of conservationists in fighting against environmental crimes and protecting endangered species.

💡International Treaties

International treaties are agreements between countries to address global issues, such as environmental protection. The script mentions the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which is an international treaty designed to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The challenges in enforcing such treaties in places like Thailand underscore the complexities of global conservation efforts.

💡Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including the variety within and between species and ecosystems. The script discusses the loss of species as part of a broader context of biodiversity loss, which is a significant concern because it affects the health and resilience of ecosystems. Biodiversity loss is a central theme of the video, as it highlights the interconnectedness of species and the importance of preserving it.

Highlights

The documentary explores the interconnected problems of climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, and species loss.

UN estimates we are losing species at 1,000 times the natural rate of extinction.

Illegal wildlife trade is a significant contributor to species loss, with China and America as top importers.

Bangkok's JJ Market is a hub for illegal wildlife trafficking, with species from around the world being sold.

The documentary team goes undercover in JJ Market to document the illegal sale of endangered species.

Endangered tortoises from Madagascar are sold for approximately $500 each due to their rarity.

Slow lorises, an endangered primate, are found for sale despite international treaties meant to protect them.

South American marmosets, also endangered, are priced at nearly $2700 each.

The illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be a $10 to $20 billion industry annually.

Conservationist Steve Galster has worked undercover to stop wildlife trading in various countries.

The documentary crew collaborates with Thai police to plan a raid on illegal wildlife sellers in JJ Market.

The police raid is meticulously planned to avoid tipping off the illegal traders.

The documentary captures the tense moments as the police and conservationists prepare for the raid.

The police face challenges as illegal traders become aware of the raid and begin to close their shops.

The documentary sheds light on the urgency and difficulty of enforcing international wildlife protection treaties.

The impact of the illegal wildlife trade on species extinction rates is emphasized throughout the documentary.

Transcripts

for every action there is an equal and

opposite

[Music]

reaction it's one of the fundamental

laws of physics of nature nothing occurs

in a vacuum in the natural

world there are Ripple effects and that

is putting our planet in

Peril this journey around the globe is

an investigation into the reasons our

planet is

changing it's about the front lines the

places where threats aren't just

forecasts of the future but are

happening

now where forests are lost we're

destroying Nature's natural regulator

where islands are discovered this island

exists because of global warming where

water is poison a lot of people live

around here and are dependent on this

water where endangered animals are

bought and sold and killed there's a lot

of animals right here that range the

gamut of critical status where people

are dying we're hearing that people are

getting cancer from drinking

water this is a planet under assault

this is a planet in peril

this documentary is the result of a

year-long investigation Dr Sanjay Gupta

wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin and I

traveled to some 13 countries on four

continents to examine climate change

overpopulation deforestation and species

loss problems which as you'll see

tonight are all interconnected the UN

now estimates we are losing species at

1,000 times the natural rate of

Extinction that is a staggering figure

species are disappearing in part because

of the black market trade of Wildlife

and that's where our investigation

begins

tonight it's pretty nrip besides two big

glass windows M outside on the

left behind a closed door in a cramped

and sweltering room in a police station

an informant Maps out the secret she's

seen in bangkok's Infamous JJ Market

there was a glass tank of small star

tortoises for her own safety we can't

show her face this is a dangerous and

tricky

job this is where the mins

are the police hope to catch dealers

selling rare and endangered animals but

first they need to plan on how to enter

the market without anyone suspecting

them you think if you go in from the

different entrance do you think you can

find a place

JJ Market officially called jatu jaac is

a sprawling weekend Market that attracts

buyers from around the

[Music]

world at first glance it's not much

different for many Thai markets but

behind the bustle there are dark secrets

[Music]

this is one of the main hubs for illegal

Wildlife trafficking in Southeast Asia

some of the animals are taken from

Thailand's forests and Waters but many

are stolen from places as far away as

Africa and South

America wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin

is helping us investigate this illegal

trade our team puts on undercover

cameras posing as tourists checking out

the market on a typical Saturday

afternoon

the Stalls are packed not only with

people but with animals for

sale many of the animals look as though

they're dead or close to it due to the

stifling heat it's inhumane perhaps but

selling all these animals is perfectly

legal but as we move deeper into the

market we begin to find endangered

animals these are endangered tortoises

from Madagascar selling for about 500

each and why are they so expensive the

dealer proudly tells us it's because

they're rare there aren't many left in

the world he says they're also illegal

to

sell cameras are not welcome in the

animal Market everywhere we find signs

like this one no photo dealers here know

they have to be careful because there's

an international treaty called SES

that's supposed to protect endangered

species like the two small primates

called slow lorises we discover just

left of the sign in the front window but

as we'll soon find out in Thailand there

are real problems enforcing

International

treaties inside this door we find even

more threatened species two South

American marmosets going for almost

$2700 each the shop owners are

suspicious making it difficult for our

cameras to get close to the other

animals not wanting to cause a stir our

team leaves

the Thai police planning to raid these

stores are from the natural

environmental crimes division who's the

middleman they're working with

conservationist Steve

gster gster is the co-founder of

wildlife Alliance a conservation

organization that helps train local law

enforcement to recognize and protect

their native

species gers worked as a conservationist

for more than 20 years it is risky work

he's gone undercover in Russia

Afghanistan and throughout Africa in

each place he stopped Wildlife trading

rackets this undercover video he shot

helped convict this Russian police

officer who was illegally selling tiger

skins the United Nations environmental

program says we are now losing anywhere

between 18 and 50,000 species of plants

and animals every year as we said

earlier that's up to 1,000 times the

natural rate of Extinction

dangered animals like tigers are killed

and sold for meat medicine and trophies

bear paws are cut off dried and sold as

ashtrays sharks are pulled from the

ocean their fins cut off for soup where

do all these animals and their parts end

up gster says the top two importers of

illegal Wildlife are China and America

and it's big business the trade is

estimated at between 10 and 20 billion

dollar a year

colster believes up to 1 million animals

are shipped through Thailand every year

and many of them make their way through

bangkok's jat jack

Market when she gets to that shop she's

going to slow down and switch the purse

to her left shoulder be very obvious

back inside the police station the mood

is tense the police believe the wildlife

Traders have their own Scouts looking

for any signs of a coming raid they can

stay behind about 20 M that' be good

they finally agree on a

plan informant will take an unmarked car

to the

market and through a series of signals

guide the police to the illegal

sellers officers received their final

orders and break into

teams it's about 4 miles to the JJ

market and with the informant already

there there's no way to tell if the

illegal Traders have already been tipped

off

it's rush hour in

Bangkok we're riding with heavily armed

Thai police and Wildlife alliances Steve

gster heading toward the jjack or JJ

Market we split into two teams wildlife

biologist Jeff Cor is just ahead of

us an informant and our team took these

pictures just yesterday with an

undercover camera endangered animals

being bought and

[Music]

sold the informant's now at the market

hoping to guide police to the illegal

dealers obviously these dealers are very

sensitive to to anyone coming very

sensitive this is why you just saw the

police take so much preparation it just

takes one leak or one person sensing

there an undercover cop route and word

goes all around the market and they

padlock their doors close down and they

can't get

anything we drive into the market and

the police start their work on

foot JJ's like a

labyrinth we weave through the small

aisles it's clear word of our arrival is

spreading animal dealers are closing

their shops they know there's a

provision In tha law that makes it all

bit impossible for police to enter a

closed

store this door right here was just open

so was this one it's most curious that