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Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

Children's: Factual

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Mind-expanding talks and hands-on science, inspiring children and adults alike since 1825.

Great scientists, even greater questions. Mind-expanding talks and hands-on science, inspiring children and adults alike since 1825.

Engine Earth

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Chris Jackson

Felicity Chapple

Todd Dalton

David Dugan

Henry Fraser

David Coleman

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Royal Institution Christmas Lectures: 2020: Planet Earth - A User's Guide: Engine Earth

2020: Planet Earth - A User's Guide

BBC Four - Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, 2020: Planet Earth - A User's Guide, Engine Earth

Professor Chris Jackson reveals how volcanic activity has driven climate change on Earth.

Professor Chris Jackson reveals how, for billions of years, volcanic activity drove climate change on planet Earth. Now, it is humans.

Professor Chris Jackson travels back into deep geological time, charting the Earth’s climate as it swings from hothouse to ice house and back again. With the help of spectacular volcanic eruptions and giant snowballs, he shows us how our planet’s oldest rocks and fossils provide evidence of radical climate changes throughout its history.

Chris reveals that what drives these changes is the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. For billions of years, volcanic activity increased CO2 levels, and mountain building reduced them. But in the last 100 years, a new kind of geological force is tipping the balance - human activity. For the first time, it is we who are changing the planet Earth’s climate, and at a rapid rate, with dangerous consequences unless we act quickly.

Royal Institution Christmas Lectures: 2020: Planet Earth - A User's Guide

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Chris Jackson, Helen Czerski and Tara Shine present the 2020 Christmas Lectures.

Professor Chris Jackson, Dr Helen Czerski and Dr Tara Shine join forces to present the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures 2020 on the theme of Planet Earth - A User’s Guide.

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Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

2020: Planet Earth - A User's Guide

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