In the second of our seasonal specials, we bring you the best summer moments from the BBC Earth archive.
Monthly Archives: December 2020
Aerial Travel: ‘Cape Town – South Africa’ (Video)
Cape Town is a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain. Slowly rotating cable cars climb to the mountain’s flat top, from which there are sweeping views of the city, the busy harbor and boats heading for Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, which is now a living museum.
South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by several distinct ecosystems. Inland safari destination Kruger National Park is populated by big game. The Western Cape offers beaches, lush winelands around Stellenbosch and Paarl, craggy cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, forest and lagoons along the Garden Route, and the city of Cape Town, beneath flat-topped Table Mountain.
Graphic Novels: ‘The Final Symphony – A Beethoven Anthology’ (Dec 2020)
A new original graphic novel, The Final Symphony: A Beethoven Anthology, celebrating Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday, has been published via Z2 Comics and Deutsche Grammophon.

The Final Symphony: A Beethoven Anthology, written by Brandon Montclare and Frank Marraffino, was inspired by the composer’s life and music. The graphic novel reimagines the life of the legendary composer through striking new visuals created by world-class artists. Readers will be able to experience both masterpieces and lesser-known gems in a brand new light. The deluxe edition will be accompanied by an exclusive double vinyl LP following the story through the composer’s own works.
Featuring Alice Sara Ott, Ezinma and Max Richter
Pianist Alice Sara Ott, violinist Ezinma and composer Max Richter, are all featured in their own chapters in The Final Symphony: A Beethoven Anthology. In the chapter featuring Alice Sara Ott, drawn by Creees Lee, the pianist invites the composer to hear one of his works played in a modern concert hall. The chapter featuring Ezinma, drawn by Jarrett Williams, celebrates Beethoven’s groundbreaking musical personality, and Max Richter has been transformed by artist Dave Chisholm, who also wrote the chapter.
Environment: A Look At ‘Climate Change Denial’ In The U.S. (CNBC Video)
Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, some American politicians continue to deny that climate change exists, while others question the severity of its impact. But public opinion is shifting, and today even oil and gas companies publicly admit that climate change demands action. So why does climate denialism continue to influence U.S. politics? Here’s a look into who is funding the movement, and why denial is mainly a U.S. problem.
Walking Tours: ‘Marbella – Southern Spain’ (Video)
Marbella, in the south of Spain is a vibrant coastal town with a large number of sandy beaches, a charming old town. The old town is full of character with the whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, colorful churches, little chapels, lively squares, fragrant orange trees and of course many restaurants and shops. The beaches with its fine sand and the Mediterranean with its clean water are the main attractions of Marbella. A variety of activities, both on land and sea are available, as is shopping, eating and nightlife.
Video Timeline: 14:01 – Plaza de los Naranjos 31:24 – Paseo Maritimo de Marbella
Marbella is a city and resort area on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, part of the Andalusia region. The Sierra Blanca Mountains are the backdrop to 27 km of sandy Mediterranean beaches, villas, hotels, and golf courses. West of Marbella town, the Golden Mile of prestigious nightclubs and coastal estates leads to Puerto Banús marina, filled with luxury yachts, and surrounded by upmarket boutiques and bars.
Aerial Travel & History: The ‘Medieval Castles Of Wales’ (Smithsonian Video)
Wales has no shortage of magnificent castles – from the impenetrable stronghold of Harlech Castle, to the fierce fortifications of Carnarvon. Wales boasts a series of castles known as the Iron Ring, built as part of Edward I’s determination to stamp his authority over the tribes of Wales.
Aerial Britain: Scotland https://bit.ly/31x9olp
Wildlife: ‘Puffins Pairing Up’ In Scotland (Video)
This young puffin is ready to breed – but he has to find a mate first. After securing an empty burrow, he hopes a nearby female will show interest.
An oceanic bird, puffins are summer visitors that arrive to nest between late March and early April in the vast coastal clifftop colonies. … Found in extensive cliff top colonies around the coasts of Scotland from Galloway to Wick, on the islands and along the eastern cliffs from North Berwick to Berwick-on-Tweed.
Artwork: ‘The Orange Chair, 1944’ By British Painter Cedric Morris
Sir Cedric Lockwood Morris, 9th Baronet was a British artist, art teacher and plantsman. He was born in Swansea in South Wales, but worked mainly in East Anglia. As an artist he is best known for his portraits, flower paintings and landscapes
Travel & Nature: ‘Winter In Grand Portage State Park’ In Minnesota (Video)
“Sunday Morning” takes us to the Canadian border, at Minnesota’s Grand Portage State Park. Videographer: Scot Miller.
Future Of Housing: An ‘Autonomous Off-Grid Smart Home Interior’
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