We’ve messed things up pretty spectacularly, haven’t we? That’s the not-so-subtle subtext humming beneath PBS’s venerable science series “NOVA” as it returns with “Building Stuff: Change It!” This isn’t your grandpa’s engineering show—though he might appreciate the ingenuity on display.
This installment tackles the considerable baggage that comes with human progress, the unintended consequences of our relentless drive to build, manufacture, and generally reshape the world in our image. And while the diagnosis is grim—spoiler alert: we’re not doing great—the episode thankfully doesn’t wallow in despair.
Instead, “Building Stuff: Change It!” turns its lens on a new generation of engineers attempting to undo some of the damage. Forget flying cars; these folks are wrestling with electrifying aviation and constructing robots designed to protect coral reefs. It’s a fascinating look at problem-solving on a planetary scale, where the stakes are as high as they come. The episode offers a mix of cautionary tales and inspiring solutions, acknowledging the often-negative impacts of our built environment while highlighting the potential for innovation to course-correct.
So, if you’re tired of the usual doomscrolling and yearn for a glimpse of pragmatic optimism, “Building Stuff: Change It!” might be just the antidote. Even amidst a climate crisis, human ingenuity persists. Just don’t expect easy answers. This isn’t a feel-good infomercial for a greener future. It’s a complex, sometimes sobering, examination of where we are and the long road ahead. But hey, at least someone’s trying to fix things, right?
“NOVA” airs Wednesdays at 9 PM on PBS.
