David Attenborough's new year message of hope as he calls for 'positive change'
Sir David Attenborough is to deliver a New Year’s message – saying 2021 “could be a year for positive change” and urged leaders to act on climate change.
In a speech to be broadcast on BBC One tonight, the 94-year-old environmental campaigner will add that “the need to take action” against climate change “has never been more urgent”.
He will say: “I am speaking to you from my home, because like many of you I have spent much of the last year indoors, away from friends, family and access to the natural world.
“It has been a challenging few months for many of us, but the reaction to these extraordinary times has proved that when we work together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
“Today we are experiencing environmental change as never before, and the need to take action has never been more urgent.
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“This year, the world will gather in Glasgow for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. It’s a crucial moment in our history.
“This could be a year for positive change, for ourselves, for our planet and for the wonderful creatures with which we share it.
“A year the world could remember proudly and say, ‘we made a difference’.
“As we make our new year’s resolutions, let’s think about what each of us can do. What positive changes can we make in our own lives?
“Here’s to a brighter year ahead. Let’s make 2021 a happy new year for all the inhabitants of our perfect planet.”
(Image: BBC)
The message comes ahead of the launch of Sir David’s latest natural history series A Perfect Planet, which begins at 8pm on January 3 on BBC One.
The show was four years in the making and filmed in 31 countries on six continents.
The first four episodes explore the power of volcanoes, sunlight, weather and oceans. The final episode in the series looks at the impact of humans on the planet, and what can be done to restore its balance.
The message comes after Sir David welcomed Joe Biden ’s victory in the US presidential election and stressed America’s importance in the fight against climate change.
Mr Biden has pledged to rejoin the Paris climate accord on the first day of his presidency, after Donald Trump controversially pulled Washington out of it.
The international agreement aims to curb global warming.
He said said “of course” Mr Biden’s November election victory was good for the world, adding “how could I deny that?”
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He said: “It’s of the greatest possible importance. The major power in the world and the major economic power in the world?
“Of course, it’s absolutely crucial that it is party to all these things and if we are to find a solution with international agreements the presence of America is beyond measure.”
Sir David also told how his flying days may be over. Asked if he will ever travel overseas again to film, he said “no, not a lot”.
Sir David added to the Radio Times: “It’s probably a fact of age, but I was finding my heart was sinking deeper and deeper into my boots every time I walked up into an aircraft and looked down that long line and thought, ‘I’m going to be here for another 24 hours.’
“It didn’t make my heart lift with pleasure.”
*Sir David’s message will be shown on BBC One at 7.57pm on January 1, between Doctor Who and EastEnders.
