In an insightful preview of David Lettermans trip to India for National Geographic docuseries Years of Living Dangerously, the former Late Show host learns how diesel generators help power the energy-starved nation.
Letterman gazes out from a rooftop in the exclusive clip, narrating about the differences in energy consumption between India and the U.S. Back home, we use generators when a tree falls on a line, he says. But here, power failures seem to be pretty routine.
These generators are all powered by diesel and pour huge quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, he continues. And heres the really scary thing: India has enough back-up generators to power all of Australia. A grid powered by coal, inefficiently run, with power outages left and right, all requiring more coal. And on top of that, these diesel generators are warming the planet even more. But why cant Indias power come from a cleaner and more efficient source, like solar? Thats actually what India is trying to do.
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National Geographic recently previewed the episode with a series of wide-ranging clips. In one, Letterman experiences a power outage in a hotel while blow-drying his massive retirement beard.
David Letterman Blow Drys Signature Beard
The former late-night king also meets with Indian Minister of State Piyush Goyal, who discusses solar power and pushes other nations to eliminate energy waste; he learns about a local solar power companys innovative business model, and jokes around with a tailor while trying to get one of those long shirts [he sees] people in India wearing.
David Letterman Interviews Minister of State Piyush Goyal
David Letterman Learns One Companys Innovative Business Model
David Letterman Visits Local Tailor
Last month, Letterman teased his journey by examining the very appealing qualities of solar energy. Look at it: I can touch it and its safe, he said. I put my head right there on it.
Lettermans episode kicks off Years of Living Dangerously Season Two, which premieres October 30th on National Geographic. Other hosts this season include Arnold Schwarzenegger, America Ferrera and Saturday Night Lives Cecily Strong.