Watch Coping with Climate Change

2012
1 Season

Coping with Climate Change is a thought-provoking documentary produced by MacNeil/Lehrer Productions that explores the devastating impact of global warming on the world's fragile ecosystems. The show focuses on the scientific evidence behind climate change and its implications on the planet's future.

The documentary follows several experts in the field of climate science who have dedicated their life's work to understanding the impact of human activities on the environment. They discuss how climate change is causing extreme weather conditions, rising sea levels, and severe droughts, which are leading to mass migrations and food shortages in some parts of the world.

The program begins by highlighting some of the most visible effects of climate change, such as the melting of the Arctic ice caps and the rapid decline of certain animal species. The show then delves into the underlying scientific causes of these phenomena, explaining how the burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a rise in temperatures.

One of the most compelling aspects of the show is its focus on how climate change is impacting different regions of the planet. For example, the program explores how droughts in Africa are leading to the spread of diseases and creating an unstable food supply, which has forced many inhabitants to migrate. Similarly, the film examines how rising sea levels in places like Bangladesh are putting millions of people at risk of displacement and disease.

The experts interviewed in the documentary are also very candid about the challenges that lie ahead in mitigating the effects of climate change. They explain how individual actions, such as reducing energy consumption and use of single-use plastics, are important, but alone will not be enough to solve the problem. Instead, they advocate for a concerted effort from governments and policymakers to support clean energy initiatives and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a global level.

The final segment of the show is perhaps the most inspiring, as it highlights several initiatives that are already underway to combat climate change. These include the development of new technologies, such as wind and solar power, that provide clean renewable energy, and the creation of new policies and regulations that support a transition towards a more sustainable future.

Overall, Coping with Climate Change is a powerful and insightful documentary that provides a deep understanding of the impact of climate change on our planet. It is a timely reminder of the urgent need to take action to reduce our carbon footprint and limit the damage we are inflicting on the environment. The program is an important resource for those who are concerned about the environment and wish to be better informed about the challenges ahead.

Coping with Climate Change is a series that ran for 1 seasons (17 episodes) between March 22, 2012 and on MacNeil/Lehrer Productions

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Seasons

17. For Winter Sports Industry, Decreasing Snowfall Sends Businesses Downhill

February 27, 2013

While winter storms have blasted parts of the Midwest and Northeast, a lack of steady and deep snow -- less accumulation and faster melt -- has had serious effects for the ski industry and other winter sports. Hari Sreenivasan reports as part of the Coping with Climate Change series.

16. Acidifying Waters Corrode Northwest Shellfish

December 7, 2012

The world's oceans are absorbing carbon dioxide at an unprecedented rate and the resulting acidification is transforming marine ecosystems. Hari Sreenivasan reports on how ocean acidification is already affecting oysters and other shellfish in the U.S.

15. Endangered Coral Reefs Die as Ocean Temperatures Rise and Water Turns Acidic

December 5, 2012

Coral Reefs have long been endangered by overfishing and pollution. Now, they face another major existential threat: increased acidity from warming oceans. Hari Sreenivasan reports from Florida about the dire outlook for coral reefs, as well as efforts and research to try and save them.

14. Climate Change Threatens the Tribe from 'Twilight'

November 26, 2012

Located west of Olympic National Park, La Push, Washington is idyllic at first glance, but its beauty is matched by danger and vulnerability. Located at sea level, La Push lies directly in a flood and tsunami zone. Hari Sreenivasan reports on how the Quileute tribe is adapting to new climate challenges. A fictionalized version of the tribe is featured in the 'Twilight' series.

13. Climate Change Causes Insurers to Rethink Price of Risk After Hurricane Sandy

November 21, 2012

The insurance industry looks at historical data, old and new, in order to assess the risk for potential disasters and put a price on premiums. But when Sandy hit the Northeast, some insurance companies reconsidered if they priced insurance high enough for the greater risks brought on by climate change. Paul Solman reports.

12. Protecting New York From Future Superstorms as Sea Levels Rise

November 20, 2012

As thousands of residents continue to clean up from Hurricane Sandy, many are anticipating future disasters and considering how New York will cope with rising seas and potentially more devastating flooding. In this November 2012 report, Hari Sreenivasan looks at options like barriers that could protect the region from future storm surges.

11. From Rooftops to Alleyways, Chicago Fights Extreme Urban Heat with Greener Ideas

October 9, 2012

One of Chicago's most beautiful and hidden gardens is located on top of City Hall, part of an effort to create 'green' roofs in order fight rising temperatures. Hari Sreenivasan reports on the actions the city of Chicago is taking to mitigate climate change in an urban landscape.

10. Storms, Starfish and Warmer Waters Wiped Out Half of Great Barrier Reef Coral

October 2, 2012

A new study finds that in the last 27 years, half of Australia's Great Barrier Reef coral has died. Gwen Ifill talks to Nancy Knowlton, a coral reef biologist and chair of Marine Science at the Smithsonian Institution, about ecological and economical consequences of the collapse, as well as measures to help mediate the decline.

9. Earth Loses its 'Air Conditioner': Arctic Ice Cap Shrinks to Record Low Level

September 20, 2012

In September 2012, scientists found that the Arctic ice cap had melted to the smallest size ever. Ray Suarez talks to Walt Meier, a scientist at the U.S. National Ice and Snow Data Center about the new evidence and how a lack of Arctic sea ice affects ocean currents and changes weather patterns.

8. Shifting Seasons Lead to Sour Year for Michigan Cherry Farmers

August 16, 2012

An early spring in 2012 followed by 19 frost events killed Michigan's cherry crop and impacted farmers' livelihoods. Climatologists say that these shifting seasons could mean more hard years ahead. Hari Sreenivasan reports as part of our Coping with Climate Change series.

7. Greenland Goes Green: Ice Sheet Melted in Four Days

July 25, 2012

On July 8, 2012, NASA satellite imagery showed about 40 percent of Greenland's top ice layer had begun its summer thaw. By July 12, only four days later, 97 percent of the ice had thawed. Margaret Warner asks NASA's Thomas Wagner for a scientific explanation of the massive change.

6. Native American Communities Affected by Climate Change Plan for the Future

July 19, 2012

In July 2012, Native Americans from Maine to Washington State convened for a conference at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Their goal: to discuss the effects of climate change on tribal communities. Hari Sreenivasan reports.

5. Swinomish Tribe Works to Adapt to Shrinking Salmon Supply

July 18, 2012

Washington State salmon depend on the cold water from glacial lakes to survive. But as temperatures increase and glaciers shrink, salmon populations are declining, threatening the way of life for the Swinomish Tribe, also known as the "salmon people." Hari Sreenivasan reports.

4. What's Causing Unusually Hot Temperatures in the U.S.?

July 2, 2012

Lack of water, "the great air conditioner", is causing unusually high temperatures and extreme weather events in the United States. Judy Woodruff speaks with Kevin Trenberth of the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

3. In Louisiana, Rising Seas Threaten Native American Land

June 1, 2012

Native American tribal lands along the Louisiana coast are washing away as sea levels rise and marshes sink. As part of our Coping with Climate Change series, Hari Sreenivasan reports from Isle de Jean Charles, a community that is slowly disappearing into the sea.

2. Teachers Endure Balancing Act Over Climate Change Curriculum

May 2, 2012

For the first time, new national educational standards for grades K-12 will link global warming trends to manmade emissions. As part of our Coping With Climate Change series, Hari Sreenivasan looks at the challenges teachers face when covering the topic of climate science in their classrooms.

1. Two Texas Towns Struggle for Water

March 22, 2012

The recent drought and record temperatures in Texas put an unprecedented strain on water resources across the state. As part of the NewsHour's Coping with Climate Change series, Hari Sreenivasan reports on the plight of two towns in their struggle for water.

Description

Where to Watch Coping with Climate Change

Coping with Climate Change is available for streaming on the MacNeil/Lehrer Productions website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Coping with Climate Change on demand at Amazon.