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CNN Original Series, Violent Earth with Liev Schreiber explores the unbelievable science and phenomenon behind epic natural events. Hosted by Schreiber, this five-part series premieres tonight, June 2 at 9P/ET on CNN.

We caught up with Schreiber to learn about his interest in climate issues and experience working on Violent Earth.

When did your interest in climate issues and climate change begin?  

You know, I’ve always enjoyed living by the ocean. I think once swimming in the ocean became a regular event for me, that’s really where my own personal relationship with climate change began to develop. I also have three young children and I realized that it was part of my responsibility as their parent to let them know that there were things that they could do to improve their world. 

Is there anything that surprised you in your learnings about climate issues and climate change that stands out?  

I think one of the things that surprised me is that we can really make a difference. A terrific example of that is the Montreal Protocol, when we had this gaping hole in our ozone. Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, two perhaps unlikely climate warriors, helped pull off this incredible protocol, where we reduced CFCs and actually closed the hole over our ozone. I think it’s important that we try to remain optimistic about these things and believe that we can affect change. 

What do you hope viewers will take away from Violent Earth?  

I think Violent Earth feels a little like a cautionary tale to me. Maybe for those of us who haven’t experienced one of these violent storms personally, we don’t understand the urgency, or what some other folks are going through. And I think it’s important to have some context. But again, I think it’s also really important that we remain optimistic about our ability to affect change. Because in reality, we are actually making a difference. Things are going a lot better in terms of our awareness and the steps we’re taking, but there’s still a long way to go. So I think it’s important to really remain optimistic about our ability to affect change. 

🕵️‍♀️ Two notorious double agents at the heart of the Cold War 

Forget movies, this is a real-life spy thriller. Experience the high-stakes story of two double agents at the heart of the Cold War in the CNN Original Series Secrets and Spies: A Nuclear Game.