Sir David Attenborough named Champion of the Earth
It may make him sound a little like Flash Gordon, but it is possible that there has never been a more befitting title than that which has been bestowed upon Sir David Attenborough by the United Nations (UN), that of Champion of the Earth.
Universally adored and looked up to, always inspiring others, it is hard to think of anyone – or indeed any creature – who would disagree with that title. The prestigious award recognises the huge continuing good the 95-year-old is doing in telling stories about the natural world around us and climate change.
In accepting the award Sir David spoke about how environmental success stories could show us all that change is possible.
He said: “Fifty years ago, whales were on the very edge of extinction worldwide. Then people got together and now there are more whales in the sea than any living human being has even seen.”
If the tide can be turned for whales, then hopefully the future for sharks could be just as bright. And that is why you’ll see Attenborough making the problems of climate change an integral part of all his programming, because there is no escaping from it.
That includes the likes of the acidification of our oceans and plastic in our oceans. And he knows time is short, not just because he is nearing 100, but because we are running out of time to be able to make a difference for ourselves and the creatures on land, sea and air that we share it with.
That perhaps goes some way to explaining the impressive output of programming he is has been involved in, whether it has been for the BBC, Discovery, Sky or Apple TV. A fixture of ground-breaking, awe-inspiring programming since the 1950s, he isn’t just an essential figure to adults, but is also one for young children and teenagers.
They all hang on his every word, every new TV show is practically event television such as the likes of the recent Blue Planet II, and we all panic when he is trending on Twitter.
Kristian Parton, The Daily Jaws’ resident shark expert, explained what influence Sir David has had on his career and that of his colleagues. He said: I think growing up, watching Attenborough documentaries was part and parcel for anyone of my generation who had an interest in animals. I distinctly remember watching Blue Planet on a Sunday night when I was 7 and being in awe of what I was seeing on my screen. There is no doubt his documentaries pushed me into learning how to scuba dive, which was integral in developing my love for the oceans and sharks. Our country doesn’t have many true national treasures, but Sir David is most definitely one of them.
The award is the UN’s highest environmental honour and celebrates those who have dedicated their lives to tackling climate change, species loss and pollution.
Attenborough has achieved that largely through the thousands of hours of nature documentaries, which naturally has also included sharks. Here are some examples from through the years.
Words by Dean Newman
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