Climate Change Will Displace Millions. Here's How We Prepare|Colette Pichon Battle

Scientists predict climate change will displace more than 180 million people by 2100 -- a crisis of "climate migration" the world isn't ready for, says disaster recovery lawyer and Louisiana native Colette Pichon Battle. In this passionate, lyrical talk, she urges us to radically restructure the economic and social systems that are driving climate migration -- and caused it in the first place -- and shares how we can cultivate collective resilience, better prepare before disaster strikes and advance human rights for all.

Climate Change Is Killing Crops In Honduras

In rural Honduras, farming has been many residents' livelihood for generations. But now, rising temperatures and declining rainfall are killing crops and jeopardizing the farmers' very survival. Special correspondent Marcia Biggs and videographer Julia Galiano-Rios explore how climate change affects these rural populations, driving them into urban areas and ultimately, even out of the country.

Cesspool Contamination And Algae

We're learning how invasive algae are being used to detect cesspool contamination across Hawai?i. Cesspools are leaching excess nutrients into the environment, contaminating our water systems, and negatively affecting the growth of algae and coral reefs. Hawaii has less than 30 years to replace over 80 thousand cesspools. Scientists are analyzing the Nitrogen levels in algae to see where along our coastlines the cesspools are leaking most.

Building On The Shore

In this episode, we're learning about coastal erosion and how it affects homes built near the shore. We explore the coastline with Hawai'i Sea Grant Extension Agent, Ruby Pap, and County of Kauai planner, Ka'aina Hull, to see what happens when buildings are put too close to the ocean compared to buildings that are set-back, allowing natural beach action and sea-level rise to occur - without damaging properties.

At Home With Mote

Seagrass meadows are vital to a healthy ocean and a healthy planet but are faced with big problems. Join us as we explore these bustling secret gardens of the sea and learn how we can practice citizen science to help conserve them. Be sure to check out the Pre-Lesson Activity guide so you can find animals, identify species of seagrass and simulate how scientists study this unique environment with us!

Are Microplastics A Macropromblem?

Although trash heaps are easier to spot in waterways, microplastics - pieces of plastic smaller than five millimeters - have started to stir more concern. Acting as sponges, the pieces soak up the chemicals around them and often make their way through the food chain, ending up on dinner plates. Most microplastics are created over time from larger pieces or directly from microbeads in products like face washes or toothpaste.