Engine Earth
Professor Chris Jackson reveals how, for billions of years, volcanic activity drove climate change on planet Earth. Now, it is humans.
Professor Chris Jackson travels back into deep geological time, charting the Earth鈥檚 climate as it swings from hothouse to ice house and back again. With the help of spectacular volcanic eruptions and giant snowballs, he shows us how our planet鈥檚 oldest rocks and fossils provide evidence of radical climate changes throughout its history.
Chris reveals that what drives these changes is the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. For billions of years, volcanic activity increased CO2 levels, and mountain building reduced them. But in the last 100 years, a new kind of geological force is tipping the balance - human activity. For the first time, it is we who are changing the planet Earth鈥檚 climate, and at a rapid rate, with dangerous consequences unless we act quickly.
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Clips
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Earth's 4.5 billion history in 100 metres
Duration: 03:00
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Climate and Weather: What's the difference?
Duration: 01:41
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Chris Jackson |
Production Manager | Felicity Chapple |
Editor | Todd Dalton |
Executive Producer | David Dugan |
Series Producer | Henry Fraser |
Director | David Coleman |
Production Company | Windfall Films Ltd |
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