TV
EARTH: The Operators' Manual

"EARTH: The Operators' Manual" is a new kind of documentary on climate change. The three-part series presents an objective, accessible assessment of the Earth's problems and possibilities that will leave viewers informed, energized and optimistic. PBS will be re-airing the part called, "Powering the Planet" on March 12 at 10:00 p.m. (check local listings). Or you can view the entire program online at: http://earththeoperatorsmanual.com/feature-video/powering-the-planet

See program host Richard Alley bungee-jump to illustrate that sometimes Earth's climate has abrupt downs... and ups. Don't think we can afford the transition to a low-carbon energy economy? Find out why the cost is similar to getting rid of chamber pots and installing clean water and WCs. You'll see that Philadelphia inventor Frank Shuman had solar technology working in the 1910s--then, like now it was a matter of economics more than engineering. Meet Soren Hermansen, a TIME Hero of the Environment, and Cliff Etheredge and discover how both convinced their neighbors to say "Yes, in my back yard," and welcome wind energy to Samso, Denmark--on track to be entirely fossil free by 2020--and to Roscoe Texas, until recently the largest wind farm in America. Hear how China has plans for carbon sequestration and clean coal, with a world-leading power plant already in operation.

Travel the world (with zero carbon footprint) to see and hear how and why clean energy is possible... then go online to earththeoperatorsmanual.com and see how YOU can reduce your energy use, change driving and flying habits, and discover how replacing meat with fish will change your CO₂ emissions. Information becomes power, with "Earth: The Operators' Manual."

This three- part series with extensive outreach was funded by the National Science Foundation.

Credit: Courtesy EARTH: The Operators' Manual