From microscopic bacteria to the largest animals, this installment explores the incredible biodiversity of the Earth, highlighting the interdependence of the planet's inhabitants.

Discover why fresh water is the most precious resource on Earth, vital to life and prosperity, but is also one of the most threatened, with spectacular scenery of canyons, glaciers and waterfalls, as well as man-made structures.

Covering 72 percent of the planet, the sea is an extensive, but not inexhaustible, resource. This episode sheds light on how to protect it and explores humankind's interdependence with the sea.

As man's impact on Earth reaches an all-time high, meet innovators who are attempting to reverse the damage and write a new contract with nature. In scenes across the globe from America to China, this exploration of man's influence on the Earth also includes discussion on how to lighten it.

Meet farmers who are fighting against the excesses of modern and intensive agriculture, including pesticides and genetically modified organisms. To foster sustainable development, consumers can influence agricultural practices by changing their eating habits.

Visit South Africa, an exemplary country for the protection of biodiversity, where cohabitation with the wild introduces a new humanistic philosophy. Yann Arthus-Bertrand meets individuals who have taken on the protection of wild animals such as the elephant, the seal and the white rhino.

Many of the world's waterways are dried up or polluted. In Argentina, a dam at Iguazu Falls affects the local population and environment. Yann Arthus-Bertrand also visits China and its disproportionate Three Gorges dam, as well as the Botswana Okavango, the Aral Sea and New York.

Madagascar has experienced extreme deforestation. Botanists are attempting to protect the native baobab trees and other island fauna, as vegetation is crucial to sustaining life. Host Yann Arthus-Bertrand meets those who have committed their lives to protecting the world's forests.

Traveling to Japan, Yann Arthus-Bertrand addresses waste and the overconsumption of food, electronics and other products by wealthy countries. The repercussions of excessive consumption are examined, including its significant -- and perhaps irreversible -- harm to the environment.

With the world's energy supplies dwindling, host Yann Arthus-Bertrand heads to the most oil-dependent country on Earth: the United States, where he looks at life without oil and the production of alternative energy resources for the future.

Focusing on Bangladesh, this episode looks at people who left their lives behind to work with charities and bring meaningful change to those in need. Through their foundation, Yves and Runa Marre are providing health care to isolated communities in Bangladesh aboard a floating hospital.

Yann Arthus-Bertrand travels through Senegal to meet men and women who are dedicating their lives to preserving the environment and aiding Senegal's citizens.

Host Yann Arthus-Bertrand speaks to Prince Charles about forest preservation efforts, and to Temple Grandin, an innovator in the livestock industry. Furthermore he examines environmental problems brought on by Quebec's hydroelectric dams, and meets with an architect whose structures are made of reclaimed materials.

Study the rebirth of nature that followed the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, and visit Indonesia to witness the world's most sulfuric volcano. Yann Arthus-Bertrand also travels to Italy, home to the largest number of active volcanoes in Europe, to discuss the possible results of an eruption.