CNN takes the planet's temperature.

Tomorrow night, instead of wincing at the two-left-feet terpsichore on Dancing With the Stars or marveling once more at Dr. House's diagnostic snark, punch up CNN at 9:00 p.m. EDT. They're running the first of a two-night special, "Planet In Peril" that looks at exactly that, as well as its causes (global warming, environmental degradation and more). They've dispatched reporters all over the globe for the coverage, and it's sure to be riveting. Just try to remember that it's better to come away from the coverage galvanized frather than rendered immobile with fear and depression. Maybe you could invite over a skeptical friend or two -- you know, the folks that don't think there's much urgency in the environmental situation. Or consider recommending it to a family member or two.

Next month, NBC's Today show will offer a similar kind of coverage for November sweeps, with Today Goes To The Ends of the Earth. That's part of a larger initiative at NBC's parent company, General Electric. When environmental awareness is seen as a ratings boost, there's reason to hope that the culture might be changing in a profound, positive and irreversible way.