Thursday, April 22 is Earth Day — a time to demonstrate our support for, and appreciation of, our planet.
In its own way, television is heeding the call to action with an array of programs dedicated to climate change, the environment, wildlife and other issues.
Here’s a rundown of offerings from networks and streaming services. All of these programs premiere on Thursday, unless otherwise noted:
“Secrets of the Whales”
Narrated by Sigourney Weaver, this spectacular, four-part National Geographic documentary was filmed over three years in two dozen locations. It hails itself as “the definitive story of whales told through the expert perspective.”
It’s an epic journey within the world’s oceans and seas, offering cinematic storytelling and breathtaking images of the planet’s largest marine mammals and revealing the extraordinary communication skills and intricate social structures of five different species – orcas, humpbacks, belugas, narwhals and sperm whales. (Disney+).
“Life in Color With David Attenborough”
In this stunning three-part series, Attenborough travels the world from the rainforests of Costa Rica to the snowy Scottish Highlands to reveal the extraordinary and never-before-seen ways animals use color.
With “revolutionary camera technology” created specifically for this series, viewers experience how colors invisible to the human eye play a vital role in animal interactions. From the seemingly magical ultraviolet signals on a butterfly’s wings to the surprising yet crucial purpose behind a Bengal tiger’s stripes, a hidden world of color is waiting to be discovered. (Netflix).
“2040”
This film from award-winning director Damon Gameau imagines a future where humanity has solved climate change, with solutions well within reach today.
Motivated by concerns about the planet and the future his 4-year-old daughter would inherit, Gameau embarked on a global journey to interview innovators and change-makers in the areas of economics, technology, civil society, agriculture, education and sustainability. Drawing on these areas of expertise, he sought to identify the best solutions, available to us now, that would help improve the health of the planet and the societies that operate within it. (8 p.m., The CW).
“Action Planet: Meeting the Climate Challenge”
Vice President Kamala Harris is interviewed in this hourlong special focused on informing audiences about the broader challenges of the climate crisis and examining its multidimensional impact.
Also appearing: Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, former Vice President Al Gore, Dr. Anthony Fauci and more. (Discovery+; Also airing on OWN, Discovery and the Science Channel. Check local listings).
“Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World”
In this three-part documentary series — airing in its entirety April 22 — the teen activist travels to three locales to observe firsthand the consequences of climate change.
She witnesses melting glaciers and dying trees in Canada, fire devastation in California, and travels to a United Nations conference in Madrid. The series also hears from a range of academics, economists and experts, further exploring the climate change science Thunberg encounters on the ground. (8 p.m., PBS; Check local listings).
“Meet the Press Reports”
As a part of NBC News’ week-long “Climate Challenge” series, this streaming special takes a deep dive into America’s broken water infrastructure system, including lead pipes, water shortages, agricultural runoff, droughts, flooding and native lands.
The 30-minute episode will also feature Chuck Todd’s interview with consumer advocate and environmental activist Erin Brockovich. (8 p.m., NBC News NOW; Also available Friday on demand on Peacock).
“Cher & the Loneliest Elephant”
Giant stars. Giant undertaking. Giant rescue. This heartfelt documentary follows Cher as she travels to Pakistan to help save the “world’s loneliest elephant,” Kaavan.
The pop superstar lent her clout and enormous drive to a cause that grew out of a global social media campaign, backed by expert wildlife veterinarians, animal aid groups and sanctuary owners. To succeed, the group would have to overcome a series of daunting challenges, moving a four-ton elephant over 2,300 miles in the middle of a global pandemic. (Paramount +; Also can be seen at 8 p.m. Wednesday on Smithsonian Channel).
“Climate in Crisis”
In this hourlong, locally produced news special, NBC Bay Area reporters and meteorologists take a deep dive into how climate change is affecting the Bay Area and how local organizations and residents are bringing awareness to the matter. (7 p.m. Saturday, NBC Bay Area/KNTV 11).
