Sir David Attenborough (the nation’s environmental godfather!)

There are not many people more popular in England than Sir David Attenborough. Now in his 90s, this trained zoologist (he grew up on the campus of Leicester University where his father worked) is almost entirely responsible for all websites and companies having a ‘sustainability statement’.

His TV documentaries caused such shock about the state of our planet and oceans, that he almost single-handedly started the plastic-free movement, including the recent banning of the sale of plastic straws in the UK.

Not so in the US. President Trump has recently cancelled the ban, to bring them back, as he things that ‘paper straws explode’.

And if you think that David (in his 90s) has mellowed with age, he hasn’t. He said last time Trump lost the election, he leapt up from his chair in delight. And also praying that someone teaches him about climate science.

Devoted to his wife, David kind of retired a few years ago. He writes letters by hand and doesn’t drive, and was so depressed, that his children suggested he go back to presenting, as wildlife is his passion. And that’s how the recent programs started up again.

David now has 18 plants and animals named after him. But remains humble. He refuses to say how many degrees he has. And asked what would make his life better, replied ‘good, workable knees!

Real-World Conservation Wins

Off screen, Sir David works tirelessly to save the planet. He backs calls to save rainforests and give space back to wildlife.

Reform UK policy is to give rewilded land to the farming industry, which would lead to extinction of many species, plus more floods and wildfires.

He has addressed leaders at climate summits, and campaigned to protect the land of indigenous communities in the Amazon and Africa.

When people ask me ‘How did you get interested in animals?’ I reply ‘How on earth did you lose your interest in animals? No-one will protect what they don’t care about. And no-one will care about what they have never experienced. Sir David Attenborough

The BBC recently cancelled a program on the benefits of rewilding, fearing a political backlash from right-wing political parties. The Green Party said this was ‘an unforgiveable dereliction of its duty, to public service broadcasting’.

Thank you. Everything across the BBC is made possible, because we’re made for you. BBC (its latest campaign, no doubt scared of being blown apart financially by Trump for lying).