Ep 1. Our Rising Oceans
- TV-14
- March 6, 2015
- 48 min
-
8.1 (71)
Our Rising Oceans is the premiere episode of the third season of Vice, which investigates the catastrophic impact of climate change on the world's oceans. This episode delves into the devastating effects of rising sea levels, acidification, and overfishing on marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and global economies.
The episode features in-depth interviews with leading scientists, activists, and policymakers, who highlight the urgent need for collective action to address the looming crisis. The Vice team travels to the frontlines of the battle against climate change in Alaska, the Maldives, and the UK to witness firsthand the consequences of our changing climate.
The first segment of the show examines the impact of melting permafrost on the Arctic ecosystem, and how it is affecting the livelihoods of the indigenous communities of Alaska. The Vice team visits the remote town of Shishmaref, which is at risk of disappearing under the rising sea levels, and speaks to the residents who are struggling to adapt to the changing environment. The segment also features an interview with Dr. Lou Codispoti, a marine chemist, who explains how the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is leading to ocean acidification, which can have a catastrophic impact on marine life.
The second segment of the episode focuses on the Maldives, which is one of the most vulnerable nations to the rising sea levels. The Vice team interviews Mohamed Nasheed, the former president of the Maldives, who became a global environmental activist after being deposed in a coup. He describes how his country is facing an existential threat due to climate change, and how they are taking innovative measures to combat the rising sea levels, such as building artificial islands and creating underwater gardens. The segment also features interviews with local fishermen, who are struggling to adapt to the changing environment and the impact of overfishing.
The third and final segment of the episode examines the impact of climate change on the UK, which is also facing the consequences of rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. The Vice team meets with Professor Tim Palmer, a climate scientist and expert on extreme weather events, who explains how the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is affecting the frequency and intensity of storms and floods. The team also visits the town of Jaywick, which is one of the most flood-prone areas in the country, and speaks to the residents who are struggling to cope with the repeated flooding and the impact on their homes and businesses.
Overall, Our Rising Oceans is a compelling and insightful episode of Vice that sheds light on the catastrophic impact of climate change on the world's oceans, and the urgent need for collective action to address this looming crisis. The episode is a powerful call to action for governments, businesses, and individuals to take responsibility for our planet's future and to work together to mitigate the effects of climate change.