The Great Acceleration
2020 · ABC · 60 min · 1 season
S01E06 · Life
Tue, 22 Sept, 9:30 pm
Genetic breakthroughs have shed light on how life evolves in real-time. From filling in the missing links to creating a new species, in the last fifty years scientists have solved some of the biggest mysteries of evolution. (Series Final)
About
Presented by Dr Shalin Naik, The Great Acceleration is a remarkable new science series where the ABC delves into its extensive archive to bring audiences the story of one of the most dramatic chapters of human history.
The Great Acceleration is a term coined by scientists, in an effort to describe the most rapid period of change in human and planetary history. In the last fifty years humankind has achieved astounding heights of discovery and exploration while reaching a pace of consumption that threatens the very fabric of our existence.
Across six one-hour episodes, the series examines major advances in the fields of space exploration, computing, energy, resources, Earth science and our understanding of the evolution of life itself. With expert commentary from scientists at the top of their field, such as geneticist Craig Venter and Nobel Prize winner Barry Barish, we hear firsthand accounts about some of the biggest moments in science, like the discovery of dark energy and gravitational waves, the creation of a new synthetic species and innovative solutions that may save the future of human civilisation.
Episodes
- E01
Exploring the Universe
Tue, 18 Aug· 60 minThis science-history series investigates the blistering pace of human endeavour and discovery. Dr Shalin Naik explores the ambitious space shuttle mission that began in the '70s plus the future colonisation of Mars.
- E02
Rise of the Machines
Tue, 25 Aug· 60 minFrom the first transistor to deep learning networks, the rise of computing power over the last 50 years has been so phenomenal it's changed everything from the way we communicate to how our appliances interact.
- E03
Energy Revolutions
Tue, 1 Sept· 60 minOver the last 50 years the world has experienced an energy revolution, driven by an urgent need to green the grid and save life on Earth as we know it.
- E04
Food, Water, Waste
Tue, 8 Sept· 60 minRising demands for food, water and materials have pushed resources to the limit and at the same time waste is piling high - triggering a new wave of innovation to make more out of less.
- E05
Blue Marble
Tue, 15 Sept· 60 minBefore it was photographed from space around 50 years ago, our perspective of Earth was fragmented and disconnected. Recent discoveries have revealed a dynamic and rapidly changing planet, above the crust and below.
- E06
Life
Tue, 22 Sept· 60 minGenetic breakthroughs have shed light on how life evolves in real-time. From filling in the missing links to creating a new species, in the last fifty years scientists have solved some of the biggest mysteries of evolution. (Series Final)
Cast
Shalin Naik
Host & Narrator