There are moments and events that forever change our psyche and the way we view the world.

There are days that begin like any other, but end in crisis.

These are the events we must learn from, lest they be repeated.

This engrossing and highly recommended series examines the cause and subsequent effect of each crisis - from looking at the social and political climate at the time, to examining how each event has changed the world - whether through legislation, preventative measures or other means.

Titles include:

Asian Tsunami
A sunny day in paradise turned into one of the deadliest, most catastrophic natural disasters ever. An earthquake deep in the Indian ocean caused tsunamis that battered countries from Southeast Asia all the way to Africa. Hundreds of thousands of people died. Millions were left without food and shelter. Whole cites were wiped out not unlike from a nuclear explosion. The only solace is the creation of an early warning system that has already proven its worth.

September 11
America was attacked on 9/11/2001. Four planes were hijacked and used to destroy the World Trade Center and damage the Pentagon. 2,973 people died; a nations psyche permanently altered. The mastermind, Osama bin Laden, was motivated by extremist religious views.

Chernobyl
A scheduled test resulted in the explosion of the Soviet nuclear power plant that burned for 10 days before it could be contained. Radioactive clouds rained down on much of the Northern Hemisphere. Over 700 people died and untold more were exposed to high levels of  radiation. Elevated levels of cancers, deformities in newborns, and organ failure could affect generations to come. Many safety enhancements have been made in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster. Features that hopefully will not be tested as nuclear energy begins a resurgence because of increased energy demands and the desire for "clean" fuels to limit the impact on global warming.

Afghanistan War
The Russian occupation of Afghanistan helped spawn El Qaida and fueled the Taliban's rise to power. The 9/11 attacks led to the Afghanistan war and a heavy toll on its civilian population. Although freedoms have been restored, the Taliban remain and the stability of the country and its fragile democracy are in question.

Hurricane Katrina
Katrina is the most destructive hurricane in history, made worse by inadequate infrastructure, political squabbling and mismanaged emergency response. Much of the Gulf Coast was damaged and New Orleans was almost entirely submerged. Years later, with destruction still evident, people question the wisdom of returning.

Tiananmen Square Massacre
Millions of Chinese protested for freedom in Tiananmen Square and around the country. A new generation wanted greater democratic rights. Martial law was declared and the government crushed the decent. Tiananmen remains a reminder that political freedom is not allowed.

Bhopal Disaster
Due to Union Carbide's gross negligence, the poison gas released from their Bhopal India plant resulted in the world's worst industrial accident. The death toll is estimated to be between 4,000 and 30,000 people and casualties over 800,000. Individuals continue to suffer over two decades later, many of whom never received any compensation. Bhopal exposed the risk of industrialization but much remains to be done to protect our planet and its inhabitants.

Rwanda Genocide
An ongoing civil war between Hutu and Tutsi tribes came to a head when the Hutu President was assassinated. A 100 day genocide ensued that killed 800,000 Tutsis. The international community has admitted the lack of political will slowed their response and permitted the carnage. Time will tell if the mantra, Never Again, holds true.

Haiti Earthquake
A devastating earthquake hit Haiti’s capitol and surrounding area killing 250,000 people and affecting three million more. The impact was magnified by poorly built structures and a poverty stricken country without the means to adequately respond. As aid flooded in it could not reach the people. Recovery remains slow but what is built is better than before.