Investigates what scientists call the sixth great extinction of the world's animals. Discusses why we should care that nearly half the world's wildlife species may face extinction over the next fifty years. The Sixth Extinction: Scientists are warning us that something is terribly wrong with our planet. Prior extinctions were due to cataclysmic events, but the next extinction may not come from natural changes in the climate or from outer space. Turf wars: How could we be losing species at such an unprecedented rate? A major factor is the link between population pressures, the groth of mega-cities and the loss of wildlife habitat. Whenever there is a turf war over land use, wildlife is the first to suffer. The war against wildlife: Each year millions of animals are killed to feed hungry families, captured and sold as exotic pets, killed for trophies, or for traditional medicines. How do we begin to save what is left? Climate change: Right now most scientists agree about the potential increase in the globe's average temperature over the next 50 years, perhaps as much as two degrees. Modeling climate change to help us understand what we should be doing in the way of wildlife protection is one of the most difficult challenges we face.

CIRC # 395\\Originally broadcast as an episode of Journey to Planet Earth on PBS in 2009. Special features: Abridged version (34 min.); Educators' guides (DVD-ROM). Public performance video.

The sixth extinction -- Turf wars -- The war against wildlife -- Climate change.