The Earth's Furies

Cyclones are the most powerful natural disasters on Earth. Many coastal regions live under the constant threat of these incredibly powerful surges of energy. Why are they becoming more common, widespread and powerful than ever before? This series focuses on the science behind natural catastrophes and helps audiences to understand these spectacular moments of Earth's anger.

Over the past 20 years, floods have caused more than 150,000 deaths globally. Global warning has made flooding one of the foremost challenges of the 21st century, leaving huge swathe of coastal areas vulnerable to devastation.

From the prairies of Canada to Northern China, unpredictable blizzards produce lethal conditions in already harsh climates.

Following the catastrophes of recent years, scientists try to fully understand these deadly waves to limit their impact.

Every year we lose 12 million hectares due to desertifcation, causing millions of people to abandon their homes.

Mudslides produced fatal catastrophes in Sierra Leone, Switzerland and Colombia in 2017 alone. Scientists blame their rising severity on global warming combined with heavy rainfall.