If you know your nature shows, you know Sir David Attenborough. His calming voice, elegant British accent, and engaging narrative style are at the heart of his more than 60-year career creating wildlife documentaries. At 94, he has much to say about our planet’s future including a stark warning about the growing number of species on the verge of extinction. (1)
Species At Risk Of Extinction
“Over the course of my life, I’ve encountered some of the world’s most remarkable species of animals,” Attenborough says in his latest film. “Only now do I realize just how lucky I’ve been. Many of these wonders seem set to disappear forever. We’re facing a crisis, and one that has consequences for us all. It threatens our ability to feed ourselves, to control our climate — it even puts us at greater risk of pandemic diseases such as COVID-19.” (1)
Perhaps the darkest of his warnings, Sir Attenborough states, “Many of these wonders seem set to disappear forever.” This is a fate too sad to imagine. (1)
Academics Warn Of Extinction
Attenborough is backed by a group of academics echoing his fears. Their explanation about the threats we pose to our own home cannot be ignored. With 570 plant species and 700 animal species disappearing since the year 1500, we seem to be dead set on maintaining our course of destruction. “Studies suggest that extinction is now happening a hundred times faster than the natural evolutionary rate,” says Sir Attenborough. “And it’s accelerating.” (1)
Extinction And Climate Change
This documentary is a follow-up to Climate Change: The Facts, Extinction. In this documentary, the details look at some of the main causes of extinction. It also explores heartbreaking biodiversity loss today at the hands of mankind. Habitat destruction, a lack of sustainable agricultural and fishing practices, in hand with heartless poaching are just a few of the things we needlessly continue to practice. (1)
On The Brink Of Extinction
A look at some of the species at risk around the world includes two, count them two, remaining northern white rhinos living at Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It paints a bleak picture of the world at large, but still comes with some hope – but only if we take responsibility to act. (1)
“One thing we do know, is that if nature is given the chance, it can bounce back,” says Sir Attenborough. An example from his documentary archives tells the stories of the once near-extinct mountain gorilla. “40 years ago…I met some of the few remaining mountain gorillas, including a mischievous youngster called Poppy,” he explains. “As I was preparing to talk to (the) camera, Poppy was at my feet, trying to take off my shoes. It was an experience that has stayed with me, but it was tinged with sadness, as I thought that I may be seeing some of the last of their kind.” (1)
Victory Over Extinction
At that time there were roughly just 250 mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains. However, there are now over 1000 thanks to the efforts of governments, rangers, and conservationists. This is an example of how taking action such as destroying natural habitats can make a huge difference in the survival of a species. (1)
“To see Poppy’s daughter and granddaughter thriving is thrilling,” says Sir Attenborough. “It just shows what we can achieve when we put our minds to it. I do truly believe that together we can create a better future. I might not be here to see it, but if we make the right decisions at this critical moment, we can safeguard our planet’s ecosystems, its extraordinary biodiversity, and all its inhabitants” (1)
Sir Attenborough makes it clear that what happens next “is up to every one of us.” (1)
