Parents' Guide to Discovery Project Earth

This informative series candidly addresses global warming as a major and immediate crisis. But it goes beyond simply describing the problem (and its potential calamitous effects, i.e. natural disasters) by showing how scientists and other experts are actively working to develop and test creative solutions that merge technology with nature. While the success of some of the projects is exciting, team members also acknowledge that implementing them could cause new problems -- like creating large carbon footprints and requiring governments to come up with billions of dollars to pay for them. It also recognizes the danger that scientists sometimes face when applying technology to fight global warming.

Some of the science-oriented conversation -- as well as the continual references to environmental crisis and natural disasters -- may be a bit overwhelming or even scary for young and/or sensitive viewers. But overall Discovery Project Earth offers some important lessons for both kids and adults that go beyond science. The series shows viewers that sometimes it's necessary to think outside the box and be willing to try things that might seem strange or impossible. And it reminds us of how important it is to keep looking for solutions to problems that can seem too massive to solve.