The start of the year is a time of extremes across the Earth; the Northern Hemisphere plunges into winter; how animals and humans respond to weather in the tropics.

Spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere as cherry blossoms bloom across Japan. In India, a congregation wild Asian elephants coincides with the colourful Holi festival.

May brings violent tornados to North America and the life-giving monsoon to India. The dry season ends in southern Africa, claiming victims among elephants.

In July, Arctic ice sheets crash into the sea while an arctic fox hunts among the rocks. In Africa, herds wildebeest cross the croc-infested Mara river.

Rain welcomes baby meerkats to the Kalahari. The arrival spring in eastern Australia ignites the passions everything from kangaroos to humpback whales.

Millions monarch butterflies converge in the forests Mexico. The Arctic skies blaze with the aurora borealis as Earth completes its annual cycle.