When challenges arise, it's people like Attenborough who remind us why our work matters, and inspire us to keep going, with determination and a sense of responsibility to protect the world we share.
"During the often uncertain years of the pandemic, reading Attenborough's A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future was a bright reminder to look to the future and press on with our mission" says Adam Culley, Planet Ark CEO.
Growing up in Leicester in the middle of England, Attenborough spent days riding his bike through the countryside, exploring and learning about the natural world around him. In 1937, David was 11 years old, the world population was 2.3 billion, and the remaining wilderness was at 66 per cent1.
Over the decades, Attenborough has become one of the most influential voices in environmental storytelling. From pioneering nature documentaries to bringing the wonders of the natural world into living rooms across the globe, transforming public awareness and deepening our understanding of biodiversity, climate change, and the urgent need for conservation.
Fast forward to 2011, the world population hits 7 billion, with 39 per cent of remaining wilderness. The world was 0.8°C warmer on average than it was when he was born, a speed of change exceeding any over the past 10,000 years.
It’s often overwhelming to think about the pace we as humans are changing the world we live in. We’ve found it is most constructive to change that feeling to inspiration and channel that inspiration into positive action. Every little action we take makes a difference. Sends ripples out to those near us, then our community, our country, and across the globe.
Plant a tree, recycle every day, join a community group, learn to sew, share ideas, reduce meat consumption, and do our bit for the sake of our Earth.
“A revolution in sustainability, a drive to rewild the world and initiatives to stabilise our population would realign us as a species in harmony with the natural world about us” - Sir David Attenborough.
Sir David Attenborough, we wish you a very joyful and warm birthday. Congratulations on seeing 100 years on this Earth we call home.
