California is one of the most active earthquake regions in the world. The San Andreas Fault, a 1,300-kilometer-long fracture zone in the earth's crust, runs through the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Scientists fear a major earthquake.
The San Andreas Fault is currently the most strongly observed geological phenomenon in the world. Scientists have long feared an earthquake so strong that it could mean the death of thousands of people. Economic damage, running into the billions, would also result.
Concerns are growing, as seismologists currently estimate that the next earthquake will occur before 2032. They put the probability of this at over 70%. For them, it is a race against time.
The documentary shows the scientific efforts being made to predict the unpredictable. International seismologists are studying the fault to make more accurate forecasts. The aim is also to reduce the risks for people.
With the help of 3D animations and aerial photographs, the researchers' fascinating engineering approaches come to light. For them, the question is not whether the big quake will come, but when.
Along six rivers on four continents, the documentary explores the question of why this vital resource, water, is becoming increasingly scarce - and who’s responsible. 70 per cent of fresh water is used in agriculture. And a large proportion of this goes into the production of animal feed. Our excessive meat consumption is partly to blame for the fact that mighty rivers such as the Spanish Ebro or the Colorado in the USA and Mexico are drying up. Factory farming businesses are worth billions to major agricultural companies, but this overuse of water often goes hand in hand with its pollution. Europe has outsourced its dirtiest industries to countries such as India. Around 20 per cent of global water pollution is caused by the textile industry. The film provides rare insights into Indian factories and life in the places where contaminants are discharged.