‘Planet Earth III’ Recap – ‘Human’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from Episode Seven of ‘Planet Earth III’ – ‘Human’ Courtesy of BBC America.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Planet Earth III’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one fundamental question that science has asked about all of humanity, it would have to be… can mankind and nature peacefully co-exist? Because science has proven, that without nature we are nothing. But at the same time, we don’t give it the respect that it deserves, and we are taking part in actions that are causing nature great harm, with minimal care. So… we must ask if living in harmony is something we can accomplish and well, it’s an important enough question that the next episode of Planet Earth III on BBC America, took the time to address it, and well, what ‘Human’ offered up for an answer, was quite surprising to say the least. Simply because this episode outright stated that yes… we most certainly can coexist and for proof… we need not look further than certain corners of the world.

For there are places where humanity and nature peacefully coexist through and through. For instance, there was a time where if someone were to see a cobra in their yard, they’d kill it out of worry. But there are places in India now, where the cobra is no different than the common squirrel in Central Park. Because they handle vermin and they move about and cause little harm, mainly because mankind pays it no mind. Giving rise to peaceful coexistence and that’s not the only place where this is common. For much of the wildlife in our cities now, go unnoticed and they rely upon us to feed them, and we certainly do as we go about our day, and there are even places where we are making extra efforts to coexist and making wonders happen because of that.

After all, there are areas in Africa where for a long time… elephants and mankind battled it out over crops. For humanity has the food an elephant needs and so many elephants have died because of their hunger over the years, since they refused to stand down when they moved onto farmland to feed. But now there are specialized treatment units that can get them to step away and keep violence from taking place, helping them thrive. And by letting the humpback whale live its life and feed while we fish, they are helping to repopulate waters, create eco-systems, and the humpback whale is growing in numbers once again. All of which really does prove that we can exist with animals and nature in peace if we put our minds to it. But that answer of course, would bring about another question, from those who don’t believe we’re making a negative impact upon our world. In that, if that’s the case, then why the fuss over saving the environment?

To which the answer is simple… because we aren’t doing enough. Those are but a handful of examples of how humanity and nature coexist, but some of that comes out of adaptation and evolution. Not hard efforts and we need more of that. Because we are still tearing down forests without giving it a second thought to raise cattle and livestock. We still use fossil fuels, and that is changing the climate drastically. So, that’s why there’s still a fuss. Because clearly, we are capable of living alongside nature, but we aren’t making enough effort, and we simply must. Because as the top species on the planet, one that is aware of our impact and our mistakes, it is our responsibility to care for it and help it along.

All of which made, for a powerful episode to say the least. Because just like that, we were able to get a glimpse into our potential as a species. Because there is harmony between man and nature in the world, the kind where there is no fear and no conflict. Just multiple species living on a world that they’ve shared for ages, and we can have that if we want, and that would change us for the better. Not to mention it was great to see this episode, speak to options about how we can perhaps pivot as a species to help save the planet. All by potentially looking at plant-based alternatives for food, and by using our science to make farming a more environment friendly process. Because we have that power, and we should in fact use it. So, that this wondrous world and the incredible animals that live alongside us can enjoy its wonder for eons on end.

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