This series provides a fascinating look at Earth's environment and some of the most important environmental issues of our time. From the quality of the air that we breathe and water that we drink to the lasting effects of our reliance upon fossil fuels to power our lives, everyone is affected by environmental change. Accurate explanations, global examples and balanced viewpoints guide students in an exploration of topics that range from global climate change to the degradation of soil. Environmental experts speak about topics of interest, and noteworthy case studies showcase real-world examples. The environment's link to human health, the economy and society is also examined, making clear the interconnected nature of these components. This series will help students to understand the science behind their changing world while considering multiple perspectives.

AIR QUALITY
Do you know the quality of the air that you breathe? Air pollution from both natural sources and human activity can affect humans, plants and animals in many ways. Learn about primary and secondary sources of air pollution, explore how outdoor air quality is monitored by government agencies and see how climate, geography, industry, automobiles and other factors can contribute to the formation of photochemical smog. Does your community face air quality issues? The enormous challenge of regulating and reducing air pollution can be tackled at local, national and international levels. From green roofs to the Clean Air Act to the Kyoto Protocol, improving air quality in one part of the world can have a positive effect the world over.

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
Dive into an in-depth exploration of global climate change, and see how both natural events and human activity, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, have played a role in changing our climate. See how climate data is collected, learn about the role of the greenhouse effect and discover some familiar and some unexpected sources of greenhouse gases. Consider experts views on the potential effects of global warming -- from relatively mild changes in the weather to more extreme scenarios, such as intense storms, warming oceans and melting ice caps. Investigate efforts to combat climate change at international, national and local levels. Weigh the effects of these efforts and consider what else can be done because the fact remains that global climate change could possibly be one of the most important issues of the 21st century!

GREEN ENERGY
Energy has powered the advancement of civilizations and the growth of technology throughout history -- from the nonrenewable energy sources that helped to power the Industrial Revolution to the utilization of renewable energy sources. Discover what green energy is, and learn about its potential to meet our energy needs in an ongoing, sustainable way. Green energy includes solar power, wind turbines, biomass fuels and much more. Some forms of green energy are more suited to certain locations than others. Observe how geothermal energy helps to power much of Reykjavik, Iceland, and see elements of green energy, sustainable design and conservation in action at the headquarters of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Maryland. From the choices and efforts of an individual to that of an entire city, rethinking where we get our energy and how we use it is important in ensuring that energy needs of future generations will be met.

SOIL QUALITY
Although soil may seem plentiful, it can be polluted and depleted by natural and human activities. Examine sources of soil pollution and discover some of the efforts taken to prevent this, such the construction of sanitary landfills and the long-term storage of hazardous waste. Visit Love Canal, an area dramatically affected by soil pollution, and see the state of that community today. Although soil erosion is natural and necessary, human activity can hasten and magnify this process. Learn how "America's Bread Basket" was transformed into the "Dust Bowl" during the 1930s, and see what farming methods have been implemented as result. Finally, travel to Shirley Plantation in Virginia, and observe how several ambitious projects have reclaimed degraded land to transform potential wastelands into valuable farmlands. Soil is much more than dirt beneath our feet. It is an essential component of life on Earth.

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Sustainability refers to the capacity to provide for the needs of the world's current population without harming the ability of future generations to provide for themselves. Explore some of the challenges and successes of sustainability, starting in one of the world's most diverse habitats -- the rainforest. Then, consider some factors that can affect sustainability: carrying capacity, population density and ecological footprint. Weigh the impact of suburban sprawl, and visit Portland, Oregon, to see how this city has worked to combat sprawl through smart-growth policies. Observe sustainability in action at a school that has employed green building practices -- from their playing field made from recycled plastic and rubber tires to the photovoltaic panels on the roof. By studying and understanding the idea of sustainability and putting that concept into practice, we can begin working toward building a responsible and sustainable future.

WATER QUALITY
More than two-thirds of the planet is covered by water. Because water is vital to all life, both the quality and availability of this precious nature resource is critical. Investigate point and nonpoint sources of pollution, consider the potential environmental, economic and health effects of water pollution, and see what scientists look for when they test the water quality of North America's largest estuary -- the Chesapeake Bay! When the supply of available fresh water is overused, polluted or affected by climate change, a whole new problem arises -- water scarcity. Learn what can happen when an area's water supply dwindles, and see how conservation and innovation can help to combat this problem. From the passing of the Clean Water Act in 1972 to the building of desalination plants, discover some of the tremendous strides that have been made in maintaining the quality and quantity of the world's water supply.

*Closed Captioned
*Includes PDF Teacher's Guides
*Features: Chapter Select, Interactive Menu, Discussion Questions & Activities

Six 23-minute programs