Whether they arise from human causes or forces within planet Earth itself, natural disasters threaten life and civilization with what seems to be growing frequency. Studies troubling developments in marine, arctic, wetland, and urban environments while highlighting research opportunities that may help prevent future catastrophes. Coral reef decay, Everglades habitat loss, polar ice disappearance, and global warming are all analyzed. Looks at earthquake prediction, hurricane and tornado tracking, air pollution monitoring, tsunami warning systems, and the cleanup of toxic flood sediment in New Orleans. Accessibility options on the DVD are: (1) audio description, (2) expanded audio description, (3) English subtitles, (4) English subtitles in black box, (5) closed captions.