Earth in 100 Seconds: Revealing Humanity’s Global Footprint | National Geographic
In just 100 seconds, National Geographic takes us on a profound journey to understand humanity’s relationship with our planet. Created by National Geographic Explorer Daniel Raven-Ellison, this video invites viewers to examine the staggering statistics of land use around the globe. Each second symbolizes one percent of Earth’s surface, allowing us to visualize the footprint of our agricultural, urban, and industrial activities.
As the video unfolds, it unveils our heavy reliance on the land: from the frozen expanses of ice to arid deserts, only a fraction of Earth remains untouched by human activity. We learn that while cities occupy merely 1% of land, an alarming 11% is transformed for crops, with a significant portion dedicated to livestock raising. This prioritization of agricultural land has profound implications, particularly as we face climate crises and biodiversity loss.
Ecosystems crucial for sustaining life are rapidly diminishing, with only a sliver of forestland remaining intact. The footage serves as a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose if we do not rethink our land use strategies. By presenting this information in a digestible format, the video appeals to a global audience, urging us to reconsider how we can reclaim space for nature.
Join National Geographic in this compelling exploration and discover how you can contribute to a future where wildlife and wild spaces thrive alongside humanity. For more captivating stories and in-depth explorations of our planet, explore the full range of National Geographic’s content across various platforms.
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Video “Earth in 100 Seconds: Revealing Humanity's Global Footprint | National Geographic” was uploaded on 11/13/2025. Watch all the latest Videos by National Geographic on Gretopia