Can We Cool the Planet? | Full Documentary I NOVA | PBS

Trees are way ahead of all the sophisticated stuff that we created to solve this problem. I’m obsessed with nature.

I find it insane how no one talks about the magnitude of the rain forests throughout the world that corporations cut down. Those trees removed the CO2 and cooled the planet. When I was a kid this was a huge concern. Now in today's world the corporations have deflected the fault to each individual on this planet. Each tree that was cut down prevented how much CO2 from being removed from the atmosphere? How many trees did it take to change the natural weather patterns that kept us cool? The corporations need to restore what they destroyed before pointing the finger at me. As a consumer I purchase what corporations provide for me to purchase. The bottom line is they need to start at the corporate level before handing me the problem. Until that happens nothing will change. Some problems Plastics Trees Bi product waste Factory emissions Corporation CO2 footprint first!

I appreciate this program of Nova so much. It is at once terrifying and hopeful. Human genius appears to be able to solve the problem of climate change. And Nature herself undoubtedly has the solutions (!) I won't be here for the changes to come, but I pray for the new generations to have a safe planet to live on. Thank you PBS 🎉 🕉

In Finland 3 trees have to be planted after every cut out tree. It is a law since like 50 years. Lately, forrest growth is 30% higher than expected. The laser scanners shown here are used to estimate the sice of tree "population". 75% of the country is covered by Forrest now. But in the 70s it was less than half of that. So it can be done and is beneficial for sure. As motivation, half of the forests are owned privately (by individual people). Also, most crops are grown for feeding animals. Reduce the animals eaten and you get less need for agriculturally used land. Don't say people should go vegan but many eats big chunk of meet at every meal. If it would be just once a day, already a big shift could be made...

I think the biggest problem is not the technology nor the implementation of it but the question wether we are ready for economical, social and lifestyle changes we need to make it all work.

I live in Hawaii, and when the sun comes out it gets scorching. I have white canopies and greenhouse style structures all covered in white reflective films and tarps. Stopping the heating of the ground surface and reflecting the heat back up into the atmosphere helps stop the containment of the heat at my place, and can help for the whole planet. But truly, trees and other plants are the best solution. As others have stated, we do need to think on the level of more than just planting monocultures of single species of trees and other plants. I know that is redundant, but it's for those who don't understand what monoculture means, even if most people who read the comments here are well informed enough to know already.

I definitely believe (self-sustaining) technology / behavior and more trees can help.

One of the best documentaries by PBS NOVA Thank you, I enjoyed it.

As long as we have an economy built and premised on growth now and growth into the futur nothing is ever going to be done about climate change, nothing.

Summer in Texas including this past summer is over 100 for months. No rain. Very frightening!!

I am typing this from a computer powered by the sun. I only have a car left, otherwise, I am off fossil fuels, I can't wait for the world to catch up. I just know that I am no longer contributing to this madness.

I think with everyone doing their small part and with everything scientists are doing now, we may have a heat chance to reverse enough of the effects of the climate change that we are causing. This gives me hope.

Why not grow mini forests by placing trees/plants/grass, on the top of buildings, in every city? Perhaps even developed a roof, that could serve as mini grass gardens, on people's houses, apartments, condos, etc. I'm sure such a garden could also help keep out the heat during summer, and keep in heat during winter, and thus, lowering the Co2 twofold. If the land is 'taken' by other resources, maybe it's time to start utilizing the vast strata of human cities and its architecture.

Pls use Bamboo for fast CO2 removal. It can grow 90 cm per day. Grows nearly everywhere where there is a lil soil, water and sun. Usable as a decent building material. Thats an awesome plant. 😉

Techno-Fides - we are feeding our belief in the magic of technology to save our future. - and like Bill Nye says -- "We need to do everything, all at once"

I think Singapore has the right idea for how to build green cities that incorporate and integrate the local environment. I personally love that idea.

Trees win this challenge hands down, including their ability to produce oxygen and food while their root systems adds to sequestration , and providing sustainable raw building materials. I love trees!

converting carbon emissions into building blocks sounds like it going to take a lot more energy making more of a carbon footprint

Thank you for your research, NOVA, and for helping find ways to save the planet.

This American is not shocked. I’m glad to have him here in this country. Welcome, Harry