NST Online

YTL Corporation’s Climate Change Week returned for a third year with the premiere of six-episode Strange Days on Planet Earth: Oceans on the National Geographic Channel (Astro Channel 553). Hosted by award-winning actor, director and environmental activist Edward Norton, the documentary which first aired on May 24 offers a startling look into the health of the Earth’s water system and the shocking truths which impact every living being on Earth.
Shot on locations around the world, the Strange Days on Planet Earth: Oceans series follows teams of scientists as they investigate puzzling phenomena in fresh and sea water.

The stories featured in the series expose astonishing links between environmental happenings around the world, which leads to questions such as, “What connection does over-fishing in Ghana have to a stench that occasionally overwhelms the coastal villages of Namibia?”; “Why are majestic seabirds starving on remote Pacific Islands?” and “What could be causing the flesh of America’s most iconic fish, the striped bass, to melt?”
The next episode airs on Sunday at 7pm and is titled Troubled Waters.

A series of apparently unconnected crises among animal populations around the world turns out to be linked by water.

This series examines evidence that toxins are being spread throughout the world’s water systems and explores what people can do to remedy the problem. Elsewhere, epidemiologists in Columbia, Missouri are investigating the effects of chemicals found in tap water.

They have discovered evidence of human vulnerability, reporting high miscarriage rates in women who drink tap water with elevated levels of chlorine by-products.

Dozens of chemicals have been discovered in the bodies of St. Lawrence belugas.

Some dead belugas are so full of toxins and chemical mixtures from the water that they technically qualify as hazardous waste.

It’s these chemical mixtures, as opposed to any one toxin in particular, that are causing scientists to worry.

Meanwhile, the programme marks the first time that YTL is partnering with National Geographic Channel, combining the channel’s vast global programming library and YTL’s corporate resources and experiences, to inspire Malaysians in the fight against global warming. Climate Change Week is part of YTL’s long-term outreach programme to educate Malaysians about the critical condition of global warming and the importance of environmental protection.

Speaking at the preview of Strange Days on Planet Earth, YTL Corporation Berhad director of investments, Ruth Yeoh said: “Our long-time involvement in the protection of our precious environment has taught us that the fight against global warming is a long term effort that requires continuous participation and commitment.”

“This year’s Climate Change Week is unlike any other. For the first time, we are making environmental awareness more accessible to the public.

“We hope to promote further understanding of climate change as a rising global focus that transcends geography and cultures, and is increasingly touching the lives of people both in and around the world,” said National Geographic Channel Asia territory director, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, Basil Chua.