A Year on Planet Earth

Stephen Fry looks at autumn across the northern hemisphere and at spring across the southern hemisphere, observing the shifting climate and cultural rhythms. He notes that these periods of change bring both opportunities and considerable challenges for individuals and societies.

The series titled Autumn is presented as a programme in an episode format. It centres on a seasonal focus, contrasting the temperate shift that occurs in the northern half of the world with the opposite transition experienced down under. Stephen Fry serves as the guide, leading viewers through this comparative look at the year’s turning points. In this installment, Fry examines the period of autumn that sweeps across the northern hemisphere, while simultaneously turning his attention to the springtime that unfolds in the southern hemisphere. He highlights the parallel nature of these two phases, each marking a clear departure from the preceding climate and setting the stage for a new cycle. The narrative stresses that both autumn and spring bring a range of possibilities. As leaves change colour or buds burst open, the seasons open doors for fresh endeavours, whether in agriculture, culture or personal life. Fry points out how the shift creates openings that can be seized for growth and renewal. At the same time, Fry does not shy away from the difficulties that accompany these transitions. The cooling temperatures of autumn can strain ecosystems and economies, just as the warming of spring can pose its own set of pressures. He underscores that each season carries substantial challenges that must be addressed alongside the opportunities they present.