Environmental Studies

Examines global warming trends caused by the burning of fossil fuels, reveals the underlying causes of these climactic changes ("the greenhouse effect") and their likely consequences, and outlines measures which could be adopted by world leaders to stave off ecological catastrophe.

This series highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to deal with crucial threats to the world's basic ecosystems.

Filmed in the heart of Brazil's Amazon River Basin, this video focuses on the work of the National Institute of Amazon Research, and shows how encroaching development poses a threat to the region's fragile eco-system.

A visit to the ancient Redwoods in the Giant Sequoia National Park in California inspires a discussion with a Native American ecologist of how a true respect for trees must be handed on to the next generation.

Examines both the history of trees--including once relatively abundant species which today are very rare and some of the oldest trees in the world--as well as the importance of trees in human history.

Examines the threatened survival of rare trees, the importance of preserving them, techniques (such as grafting) to do so, and the activities of botanists in several species recovery programs.

Examines the ancient history of customs and rituals involving trees, their spiritual and religious significance, and their persistence to the present day, including the Fair Trees of Ireland, the springtime decoration of may bushes, Arbor Day celebrations, and the activities of a group of contemporary tree worshippers.

Examines the art of coppicing, an ancient method of managing trees, which has important contemporary applications in the sustainable management of woodland trees while supporting production of a wide variety of wood products.

Examines the natural growth in ancient forests of scarce species such as the Crab Apple, Wild Cherry and Irish Whitebeam, the importance of the cultivation of diverse species in private gardens, and recommendations for the growth of trees in urban environments.

A visit to the Scottish Highlands serves as a case study of how throughout the world today we are in danger of losing our ancient woodlands of native trees.

A visit to England's Windsor Great Park, a celebrated site for ancient oaks, reveals the importance of trees in the ecosystem's complex process of renewal and regeneration.

Environmentalist Dick Warner hosts this eight part series on trees and their relationship with the world around them.