‘Attenborough’s Global Adventure’ Recap: ‘Episode Three – The Rise of Nature’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘Attenborough’s Global Adventure’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that each and every one of us, absolutely adore nature documentaries and it makes sense as to why. After all, they captivate us with their beauty since they take us to breathtaking locations around the globe and of course, they offer us more than stunning visuals, since they educate us about the very places the documentary in question is showcasing. But while those two elements are the standard for documentaries, there are some that are eager to up the ante and do more with their stories. Specifically, they will in fact, ask more of us. So that we will in turn, act on the behalf of nature and help it thrive and that particular element is of note today, because it is precisely what the finale of Attenborough’s Global Adventure worked to accomplish.

But it sure didn’t seem as though that was going to be the case at first. For ‘Episode Three – The Rise of Nature’ appeared as though it was going to just take us a on a traditional and massive, learning journey around the world. Wherein we were able to learn that China is now a hub for archeology since they are finding new fossils there on a regular basis, and those fossils can teach us a great deal about evolution and how the birds came to be where they are today. Since there is evidence of how feathers began to grow on dinosaurs millions of years ago and how smaller ones adopted such changes quickly to find food and move about with ease in certain parts of the world, giving rise to the birds we pass by on the streets on a daily basis. 

Once that particular exploration was complete, it was off to the Galapagos Islands once again, to showcase the diversity of the world’s wildlife. Because beyond the various turtles and lizards that we’ve spent time with during the run of this series, there are so many hidden species that we don’t know about and are only now starting to understand exist. Courtesy of the daily expeditions that venture into the most remote corners of this island chain, since those are are revealing all kinds of new species. In fact, only recently did scientists come to learn that there is a special species of iguana that live in the crater surrounding the biggest volcano in this chain, and these pink iguanas have adapted nicely in this environment and are indeed thriving. 

As for the last destination on our journey, well that once again returned us to the Great Barrier Reef to spotlight how the Reef functions and how it grows and that led to a fascinating examination of how this living organism manages to seed the tropics with its unique spawn, so that it can take root elsewhere and grow and provide communities, and this segment also covered how mankind is now studying coral in great detail to step in if necessary to help it, and well… it is that point that brought this seemingly random journey to the lesson inherent. One that was grand and sweeping and powerful in nature. In that, because it takes millions of years for nature to overcome challenges through evolution, and because there is so much more to discover about our world and its delicate nature… it is up to us to do more to protect it.

For these lives are precious and the ecosystem we share is unique and delicate. But if we acknowledge its beauty and majesty and embrace the fact that we can help it thrive and grow, we can preserve it and find harmony with it and use science as needed to protect it and nurture it and help it along. Which is… a wonderful way to bring this documentary to a close, since it speaks volumes to the conservation efforts that David himself has taken part in and it is a message that resonates. Because we can do more and we should, since we are the only species on the planet that can alter the course of a biosphere with minimal effort and well, hopefully that message does indeed inspire more of us to step in and help the world that has given us life and opportunity. Because quite frankly… we owe it effort and care.

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