There have often been hothouse periods in the history of the Earth, but never before have temperatures on our planet risen as rapidly as they are doing today. Paleontologists are finding more and more evidence of the immense impact that past hothouse periods had on life on our planet. The challenge facing today’s scientists is to interpret the signs from Earth's history correctly and to look for solutions that will ensure the survival of our civilisation in the new hothouse period that is looming. They are trying to adapt our cities to higher temperatures, to protect the coasts from a rise in sea level and to ensure that the world's population remains fed, even under the conditions of the new hothouse period. The documentary presents the challenges posed by the new hothouse period – and also presents solutions.
