I’m pretty sure that when I say the name David Attenborough, we all know who I am talking about. A broadcaster and natural historian who keeps pushing for a world where humans can coexist with the natural world. He goes beyond boundaries and challenges the thoughts and minds of people contributing to a common enemy that is killing our planet, climate change.
His documentaries are loved all over the world. By not only being captivating and informative, he aims to educate the younger generations to stand up and fight for a planet where we all live in peace and harmony. Climate change challenges both us as humans and the natural world around us- sadly many of us choose to ignore the impact it is having. Before we know it, extinction of species increases, and we lose the biodiversity that we take for granted.
Extinction: The Facts
After recently watching his new documentary ‘Extinction: The Facts’, I feel more passionate than ever about wildlife and nature, and the factors contributing to its downfall. I was informed that extinction is rapidly increasing, and not at a normal evolutionary rate. What is the cause behind it? Humans. Our ordinary ways of living can have such a detrimental impact on the world around us.
“Avoidance becomes an issue of not wanting to listen or acknowledge the damage that we are creating.”
As climate change continues to be a silent killer that is not spoken about enough, we get more wildlife fires, reducing food source, decreasing species and habitats. It also increases the risks of disease. Humans are behind the spread of disease and global warming. We have developed such a twisted relationship with nature, that it almost seems impossible to reduce it. But there is always hope for change.
As I continue watching, I see animals in cages waiting to become meat, I see forests disappear and I see the consequence of our behaviour. It’s hard to watch and it’s human of us to avoid it because we don’t want to be upset. But that is when avoidance continues into a matter of not wanting to listen or acknowledge the damage that we are creating.
He shows the horrifying videos of plastic being dumped into our oceans, and how more than ever it’s important to reduce our plastic buying. To see videos and photos of a decreasing coral reef and plastic overwhelming our wildlife is terrifying.
A palm oil investigation
Some things are impossible, but little changes can lead to the possible.
I believe our country has a long way to go in being a prime example of what not to do in the fight against climate change and the equality between our world and the natural world. We ship food from all over the world, and barely rely on local shops.
How many of use famous makeup brands, skincare products and food but never think about where it’s come from or how it’s made? A secret factor that is destroying habitats for many species in our world is palm oil.
The TV episode emphasises how constant deforestation of a habitat known to many species we know and are yet to discover is being reduced by the minute.
But how do we stop it? Well, I believe labelling, that by law, you have to mention if it contains palm oil, is an effective way for us to make informed choices. It’s time our government and leading politicians take a stand against crucial things such as this.
A change needs to happen and the world needs to hear
“David Attenborough isn’t just an inspiration to me, but to many young people all over the world.”
It’s very easy to blame governments and those in power for the mess our world is in, and they do need to play their part in educating and acting on climate change. However, generations play a part in the crisis and it carries on becoming a pattern of behaviour that isn’t stopped.
It’s beyond amazing to see my generation and younger step up and act against climate change and protecting our planet. It reminds us that there is always light at the end of the tunnel if we keep working towards it. We all have a part to play in protecting nature.
It’s correct to say that David Attenborough isn’t just an inspiration to me, but to many young people all over the world.
I feel more certain than ever that speaking up on these issues is so important. I’ve never felt more passionate in protecting our world and wildlife. It’s important to protect our ecosystems and biodiversity because what a boring world it would be without it.
Make sure to watch and support his new film coming out ‘A Life On Our Planet’. It’s crucial that we watch and learn.
It’s time to change our habits.
Little changes to make –
- Stop wasting energy. Whether it be water, electricity, or food.
- Reduce or stop eating meat.
- Don’t support the use of plastic bags/bottles/straws.
- Be positive about nature, it’s a wonderful thing that should carry on existing for years to come.
- Make informative choices on the products you buy.
“It’s surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on earth” -David Attenborough
Robyn Lawrence
Featured image courtesy of Eduard Delputte via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.