Planet Earth - Documentary Review

We have all heard about global warming. We have all heard about the harmful effects it is having on Earth. We have all seen it in our day-to-day lives. Some choose not to believe it. Some choose to believe there is nothing that can be done.

The Discovery Channel's series "Planet Earth" opens our eyes to everything on our planet. The life forms that we may not see in our day-to-day lives. That we perhaps, never even think about. I have to say, I'm not sure that I did before I was given a glimpse of this wonderful series that brings the entire planet to our own backyard.

This series does such a dynamic job of opening our eyes to the polar bears that are suffering in the Arctic. That no longer have the ice they need to not only search for seals, but to take a much needed rest in their long swim for food. The series shows one polar bear, who after a 60 mile swim, gave up his search for seals and instead, tried to infiltrate a herd of walruses. As the walruses surround their young for protection, the polar bear takes on the adults. After losing one, he goes after another. This battle is not easy. The walruses attack the polar bear with their strong tusks and the polar bear is left so injured he can no longer walk. Resting his head in defeat, the polar bear is left to die.

The series also shows us the world's largest living organism, General Sherman, the biggest tree in the world located in Sequoia National Park. Standing tall at over 80 metres high and with a base trunk circumference of an incredible 30 metres, it weighs more than 10 whales. Looking at this beauty, you can only stop in wonderment while at the same time, feel a bit saddened at what might become of it. For we have the proof of what happens to our natural beauties. It's chances of becoming destroyed are great and others like it, extinct.

I had been growing more and more concerned about global warming before I saw this amazing documentary series but it has opened my eyes so much more. And while this issue is just one of the few featured on "Planet Earth", it certainly brings it closer to home. Looking at these polar bears and these great living things such as General Sherman, it's impossible to say that global warming does not exist or that nothing can be done about it. This series reminds us that maybe it's not too late. And that if we start acting now, nature may just be able to find a way to forgive us.