A Perfect Planet is a fusion of blue chip natural history and earth science that explains how our living planet operates. This five-part series will show how the forces of nature drive, shape and support Earth’s great diversity of wildlife.
David Attenborough said: "Oceans, sunlight, weather and volcanoes - together these powerful yet fragile forces allow life to flourish in astonishing diversity. They make Earth truly unique - a perfect planet. Our planet is one in a billion, a world teeming with life. But now, a new dominant force is changing the face of Earth: humans. To preserve our perfect planet we must ensure we become a force for good."
Episode 1 - Volcano
A look at how without volcanoes, there would be no life on Earth. Although destructive, magma from the planet’s molten core builds land, and mineral-rich ash from eruptions fertilises the surface.
Episode 2 - The Sun
From the frozen poles to the searing deserts, this episode shows how animals have come up with strategies to survive the uneven amounts of sunlight that fall on our planet.
Episode 3 - Weather
Weather controls the distribution of freshwater around our planet. In turn, shapes the lives of animals across the globe, rising to an incredible diversity of species and habitats.
Episode 4 - Oceans
There are not five separate oceans, but one. Its waters linked by powerful forces that keep them on the move. This constant mixing is vital for the health of oceans and marine life.
Episode 5 - Humans
Humans are changing our planet so rapidly, it’s affecting earth’s life support systems: our weather, our oceans and the living world.
A Perfect Planet airs weekly from Sunday 3rd January on BBC One.