A Russian Scientist’s Plan to Save the Planet | Pleistocene Park (Full Film) | The Short List

The script introduces a documentary about Sergey Zimov's ambitious project to combat climate change by recreating the Ice Age mammoth steppe ecosystem in Siberia. The main character, Sergey, believes that restoring this ecosystem can prevent the permafrost from melting, which locks away massive amounts of carbon. The documentary is directed by Luke Griswell and explores Sergey's unconventional ideas, such as reintroducing large herds of animals like horses and bison to the region, which could potentially stabilize the climate and prevent catastrophic feedback loops of warming.

Sergey Zimov discusses his desire to restore ecosystems that existed before human intervention, specifically mentioning the reintroduction of large herds of animals like horses and bison. He believes that these animals, by grazing and trampling, can help maintain grasslands and prevent the permafrost from thawing, which would release significant amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. Sergey's project, referred to as Pleistocene Park, is located in a remote area of Siberia, and the script highlights the challenges and efforts involved in realizing his vision.

The script delves into Sergey Zimov's research on the role of permafrost in climate change. Sergey discovered that frozen Arctic soil contains twice the amount of carbon as the Earth's atmosphere, and its potential melting could trigger a runaway feedback loop of warming. The documentary features interviews with scientists who share varying opinions on Sergey's ideas, acknowledging his intelligence but also questioning the feasibility of his unorthodox approach to ecosystem restoration.

The script discusses the complexities and challenges of rebuilding ecosystems, particularly in the context of Sergey Zimov's Pleistocene Park. It highlights the importance of animals like bison and horses in maintaining grasslands and preventing the thawing of permafrost. The narrative also touches on the difficulties of acquiring animals for the park, including bureaucratic hurdles and the logistics of transporting them to Siberia.

The script recounts the arduous and dangerous trips undertaken to bring animals to Pleistocene Park. It describes a specific incident where a group of bison had to be transported from Canada, but due to ideological differences and bureaucratic issues, the plan fell through. Undeterred, Sergey and his team resorted to bringing animals by any means necessary, highlighting their determination and the lengths they are willing to go to realize their vision.

The script details the challenges faced in acquiring bison for Pleistocene Park, including failed attempts and the loss of all but one of the transported animals. It also discusses the adaptation of other animals, such as horses and reindeer, to the park's environment. The narrative reflects on the optimism and determination of Sergey and his team, despite the setbacks and the skepticism of others.

The script explores the scientific underpinnings of Pleistocene Park and the controversies surrounding Sergey Zimov's approach. It mentions the skepticism of the scientific community and the challenges of intentionally manipulating ecosystems. Sergey defends his methods, arguing that he is not engineering new ecosystems but rather reconstructing those that existed historically within the same climate and soil conditions.

The script delves into Sergey Zimov's personal journey, including his upbringing and his dedication to the Arctic. It discusses the impact of the Soviet Union's collapse on his work and how it led to a period of self-sufficiency and resilience. The narrative also touches on Sergey's collaboration with global scientists, which helped to bring recognition and funding to his research.

The script highlights the global implications of permafrost thaw and how Pleistocene Park aims to address this critical issue. It discusses the potential of the park's ecosystem restoration to mitigate the effects of climate change and the importance of incorporating permafrost carbon into climate models. The narrative emphasizes the need for further research and the potential of Sergey's ideas to contribute to global climate change goals.

The script provides insight into the making of the documentary, including the challenges faced by the filmmaker, Luke Griswell. It discusses the process of filming, the equipment used, and the decision to include the filmmaker's personal experiences in the narrative. The narrative also reflects on the impact of the project on the filmmaker and his journey from being an observer to becoming an active participant in the story.

The script concludes with a broader discussion on climate change, humanity's role in it, and the potential for speculative science to offer solutions. It touches on the importance of considering unconventional ideas and the need for action in the face of escalating climate challenges. The narrative leaves the audience with a sense of the complexity and urgency of the issues surrounding climate change and the potential of projects like Pleistocene Park to make a difference.