The Deep Dive: Earth and Our Environment

Man in a khaki buttondown shirt holding a fossil standing by a background of dirt and grass — Celebrating Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday with a look back at his seminal film, *Life on Earth*

Elizabeth He produces The Deep Dive newsletter, creates designs for the Digital Mural, and has written articles about GBH.

April 22, 2026

Earth Day is tomorrow, so this week we’re honoring Mother Nature and all she has to offer. From the elements to plants and animals, we explore ways to protect and sustain our beautiful planet for future generations. And check out our “Celebrating the Earth” collection for even more program suggestions.

Yours in media,
Elizabeth He, Visual Communications Editor

This is a web edition of GBH's The Deep Dive, a weekly newsletter bringing you the best GBH has to offer.

Capturing Nature

Bringing the Natural World Into Our Living Rooms: Sir David Attenborough at 100

Sir David Attenborough has inspired audiences around the world with natural history programs for Nature, the BBC, NOVA, and more. As he celebrates his 100th birthday, we share information about his life and some of the programs available to stream right now, including Life on Earth, The Green Planet, and Parenthood. Read more about his stellar career.

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Audubon

Celebrate the natural world described in John James Audubon’s paintings and writings. Get a modern perspective on his groundbreaking work.

“The Culture Show Podcast”: Ken Burns Talks About Henry David Thoreau

Filmmaker Ken Burns joins The Culture Show to discuss Henry David Thoreau, the new three-part PBS documentary series that he executive produced to reflect on America 250. The conversation explores overarching themes of identity, democracy, and national meaning. How did Thoreau’s influence on the natural world shape the country?

Climate Artists

This five-part documentary series illuminates what can happen when art intersects with environmental advocacy. See how artists use their work to engage awareness and foster compassion for our planet.

Today’s Environment

NOVA: Rain Bombs

Follow scientists racing to understand the catastrophic “rain bombs” that are sinking ships and downing planes. Can they learn to predict these devastating weather events and save lives?

Evolution Earth

Animals’ homes are changing around them at superspeed. Follow remarkable stories of resilience and hope, from humpback whales to tiny butterflies to ingenious savanna chimpanzees.

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Weathered: When Will the World Run Out of Water?

For generations, we’ve been pumping water out of the ground assuming it would last forever, but it’s running out. A new study shows how global “peak water” could be just around the corner. When and where will peak water be expected?

Local, USA: Inundation District

Examine the political decisions around building Boston’s Seaport District in an era of rising seas. Learn the story of this billion-dollar project.

Recipe of the Week

Milk Street’s Greens with Walnuts, Parmesan, and Pancetta Vinaigrette

Use any combination of the greens, but don’t skimp on toasting the walnuts! Developing their flavor is an essential part of this dish. Try this fresh medley of flavors.

Reimagining Sustainability

With the world’s ecosystems in chaos, can science, nature, and tradition prepare us for the future? Find out on Dynamic Planet.
Boston Public Radio’s special limited series “The Long Run” – on sustainability and running – speaks with the Boston Athletic Association CMO Scott Stover about how they’re working to make the Boston Marathon greener.
In Climate California, follow trailblazers as they help us reimagine our future – from sci-fi to dam removal and beyond.
Four people across continents face environmental change and seek coexistence with wildlife in Our New World: The Pulse of Change.
Kelly Sims Gallagher, professor of energy and environmental policy at Tufts University, discusses international cooperation on climate change. Learn which climate policies work and why.
Watch how otters are saving Earth’s underwater forests. How cute and helpful!

Dive Into America 250

Freedom Lost, Freedom Won: American History Through a Black Family’s Story

Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and commentator Eugene Robinson explores this rhythmic history. Moving beyond headlines and isolated shocks, Robinson draws on the two‑century journey of his own family — the heart of his memoir Freedom Lost, Freedom Won — to show how national politics are lived, felt, and carried across generations.

Off Topic

Check out Michael Bertoia’s appraisal of an Uncle Sam cast-iron doorstep, ca. 1915, on ANTIQUES ROADSHOW.
It’s National Library Week! Celebrate with a visit to the GBH Boston Public Library Studio!
Our Gen Z friends are back in the kitchen with a monkfish recipe from Julia Child. What could go wrong?