Six Degrees of Change: National Geographic Perspective

National Geographic presents a shocking theory in a special broadcast event: Earth's average temperature could increase by six degrees Celsius by the year 2100. This insightful documentary takes viewers on a journey, showing the consequences of rising temperatures on our planet, one degree at a time. Discover how existing technologies and solutions can help in the fight to lower the global thermometer.

In the eco-thriller film "The Day After Tomorrow" from 2004, director Roland Emmerich highlighted the potential impact of accelerated global warming. The National Geographic special "Six Degrees Could Change the World" uses a combination of stock footage and computer-generated imagery to provide a nonfiction perspective on this issue. NASA climate scientist James Hansen warns that even a two-degree Celsius increase could be a point of no return. Narrated by Alec Baldwin and based on Mark Lynas's book "Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet," the program travels from bushfire-ravaged areas in Southern Australia to drought-stricken farmlands in Nebraska, showcasing the rapid melting of glaciers in Greenland.

Through interviews with aerospace engineers, marine biologists, and everyday individuals, the documentary paints a vivid picture of the impact of climate change. The program highlights real-life events, such as the tragic 30,000 deaths during the 2003 European heatwave, proving that the effects of climate change are not just hypothetical. The destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina and the deforestation of the Amazon are undeniable examples of the global crisis at hand.

To lighten the mood, "Six Degrees" also explores unexpected consequences of climate change, like a British grape grower benefiting from dryer conditions or the environmental impact of a cheeseburger. Despite some cheesy special effects, the wealth of compelling data presented in the documentary makes up for any shortcomings.

Don't miss the opportunity to watch "Six Degrees Could Change the World" on DVD for a deeper dive into the realities of global warming and climate change. Explore more National Geographic DVDs for further insights on these pressing issues.

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