NOVA: World in the Balance "The People Paradox"

Streaming video - 2004

Fast forward to the year 2050.... Will it be a world of sharp, unpredictable climate swings, devastating mass extinctions of plants and animals, chronic shortages of water, and unparalleled human poverty and hunger? Or will it be a world where nature's biological treasures are protected, all children get to attend school, and basic human needs are satisfied? This two-part NOVA special explores the possibility that we still have the power -- and a brief period of time -- to turn the Earth away from a gloomy destiny. Through the use of dramatic scenarios, these programs will present crucial population and environmental issues to viewers in a fresh and accessible style. Scenarios are stories about the future, grounded in good science but ...told with the creativity of a feature film. They will give viewers a way to imagine the world -- to project from present trends while revealing decision points that will shape the future for our children and grandchildren. The scenarios interweave with worldwide investigative reports on reproductive health, population, biodiversity, and the future of the world's food supply. Each report will explore the trends that are driving each scenario, and the options we have for achieving - or avoiding - the outcome.. more