Saving the Planet, One Documentary at a Time

To be wreaking havoc

To cause a great deal of destruction, confusion, or disorder.

Vertebrate species

Animals with a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

To be imperiled

To be in danger of being harmed, lost, or destroyed.

Greenhouse gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Examples include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Fossil fuels

Natural fuels formed from the remains of living organisms, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which release carbon dioxide when burned.

Ecological footprint

A measure of the impact of human activities on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources.

The think-tank

A group or organization that conducts research and provides advice on issues such as policy, economics, and social sciences.

Ecological deficit

The situation when humanity's demand on the environment exceeds the Earth's capacity to regenerate resources and absorb waste.

Zoonotic disease

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Agricultural intensification

The process of increasing agricultural production per unit of land through the use of technology, fertilizers, and irrigation.

Painfully obvious

Extremely clear or apparent, often in a way that is difficult to ignore.

Reverse / turn the tide

To change a situation or trend to a favorable or opposite direction.

Take action

To do something to achieve a goal or address a problem.

Long-term vs. short-term

Considering the effects or benefits over an extended period versus a brief period.

Staggering amount

An astonishing or overwhelming quantity.

To make a discovery

To find or learn something new.

‘Single-use’ plastic products

Plastic items designed to be used once and then discarded.