Sir David Attenborough is launching what he says is one of the most important films of his career as he enters his hundredth year. He believes his new, cinema-length film Ocean could play a decisive role in saving biodiversity and protecting the planet from climate change. Sir David, who will be 99 on Thursday, says: "After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on land is not on Earth but at sea." The ocean is the planet's support system and humanity's greatest ally against climate catastrophe, the film argues. It shows how the world's oceans are at a crossroads. A blue carpet will be rolled out at the film's premiere tonight at the Royal Festival Hall. A host of celebrities are expected to attend including Chris Martin and Coldplay, Benedict Cumberbatch, astronaut Tim Peake, Geri Halliwell-Horner and Simon LeBon. Toby Nowlan, who produced Ocean, says this new production is not a typical Attenborough film. "This is not about seeing brand new natural history behaviours. It is the greatest message he's ever told," he says. The film documents how the state of the world's oceans and our understanding of how they function have changed in the course of Sir David's lifetime. Sir David remembers his first scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef way back in 1957: "I was so taken aback by the spectacle before me I forgot – momentarily – to breathe." Since then, there has been a catastrophic decline in life in the world's oceans. "We are almost out of time," he warns. Ocean contains some of the most graphic footage of the damage that bottom trawling – a common fishing practice around the world - can do to the seabed. It is a vivid example of how industrial fishing can drain the life from the world's oceans, Sir David claims. The new footage shows how the chain that the trawlers drag behind them scours the seafloor, forcing the creatures it disturbs into the net behind. The trawlers are often after a single species: more than three-quarters of what they catch may be discarded. "It's hard to imagine a more wasteful way to catch fish," comments Sir David. The process also releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide which contributes to the warming of our planet, yet bottom trawling is not just legal but is actively encouraged by many governments. Sir David says the state of the ocean has almost made him lose hope for the future of life on the planet. What has kept him from despair is what he calls the "most remarkable discovery of all" – that the ocean can "recover faster than we had ever imagined". Sir David says the story of the world's whales has been a source of huge optimism for him. It is estimated that 2.9 million whales were killed by the whaling industry in the 20th Century alone. Scientists have said it is the largest cull of any animal in history when measured in terms of total biomass. It pushed almost all whale species to the edge of extinction. Just one per cent of Blue Whales were left, recalls Sir David: "I remember thinking that was it. There was no coming back, we had lost the great whales." But in 1986 lawmakers bowed to public pressure and banned commercial whaling worldwide. The whale population has rapidly recovered since then. One of the film's directors, Keith Scholey, has worked with Sir David for 44 years. "When I first met David, I was in shorts," he jokes. That was in 1981, two years after Sir David had resigned as the BBC's director of programmes – one of the most senior jobs at the Corporation. "He'd done one career, and he was off on his next." Despite now nearing his 99th birthday Sir David is still remarkably energetic, says Scholey. "Every time you work with David, you learn something new," he says. "It's really good fun. But also, David keeps you on your mettle, because he is so on his mettle and so, you know, it's always a very creative process." Sir David's key message in the Ocean film is that all is not lost. Countries have promised to protect a third of the world's oceans. He hopes his new film will spur leaders to take firm action on this promise at a UN conference next month. He believes that could be transformational. "The ocean can bounce back to life," Sir David says. "If left alone it may not just recover but thrive beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen." A healthier ocean ecosystem would also be able to trap more carbon dioxide, helping protect the world from climate change, according to scientists. "In front of us is a chance to protect our climate, our food, our home," Sir David says. As he celebrates his 99th birthday this week he is still fighting to protect the natural world he has worked his lifetime to show to us in all its glory. Ocean will be in cinemas across the country from Thursday. Sign up for our Future Earth newsletterto keep up with the latest climate and environment stories with the BBC's Justin Rowlatt. Outside the UK?Sign up to our international newsletter here.
Attenborough at 99 delivers 'greatest message he's ever told'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"David Attenborough Premieres New Film 'Ocean' Advocating for Marine Conservation"
Bbc News
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
Sir David Attenborough is set to premiere his new film, 'Ocean', which he describes as one of the most crucial works of his career as he approaches his 100th birthday. In this cinema-length documentary, Attenborough emphasizes the vital role oceans play in supporting life on Earth and combating climate change. He believes that the film could significantly influence efforts to save biodiversity and protect the planet. Attenborough states, "After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on land is not on Earth but at sea." The film underscores the critical state of the world's oceans, which he argues are at a pivotal crossroads, and highlights the alarming decline of marine life during his lifetime. The premiere, taking place at the Royal Festival Hall, is expected to draw a star-studded audience, including notable figures like Chris Martin, Benedict Cumberbatch, and astronaut Tim Peake.
The documentary presents some of the most striking footage of the destructive impacts of bottom trawling, a prevalent fishing technique that devastates the seabed and contributes to carbon emissions. Attenborough warns that this practice is both legal and encouraged by many governments, despite its detrimental effects. However, he also conveys a message of hope, citing the remarkable recovery of whale populations since the ban on commercial whaling in 1986 as a testament to nature's resilience. He believes that with proper protections in place, the ocean can not only recover but thrive. As he celebrates his 99th birthday, Attenborough remains dedicated to advocating for the natural world, urging leaders to take decisive action to protect the oceans at an upcoming UN conference. He concludes with a hopeful reminder that a healthier ocean ecosystem could be pivotal in addressing climate change, stating, "In front of us is a chance to protect our climate, our food, our home."
TruthLens AI Analysis
Sir David Attenborough's announcement regarding his upcoming film "Ocean" serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address environmental issues, particularly the health of the world's oceans. As he approaches his hundredth year, Attenborough's reflections on his lifetime of experiences provide a personal touch to the broader narrative of climate change and biodiversity loss. The film aims to highlight the critical state of ocean ecosystems and the impact of human activities, particularly industrial fishing practices.
Intent Behind the Publication
The article appears to aim at raising awareness about the dire conditions of our oceans and the immediate need for action to save marine biodiversity. By promoting Attenborough's film as one of his most significant projects, the publication seeks to galvanize public interest and concern regarding environmental conservation. It positions the film as a call to action, urging audiences to recognize the ocean's vital role in combating climate change.
Public Perception Goals
This article is likely intended to foster a sense of urgency within the community, encouraging individuals to consider their role in environmental protection. By highlighting Attenborough's decades of work and his emotional connection to the ocean, the piece seeks to resonate with audiences on a personal level, thereby enhancing the message's impact.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on the critical state of the oceans, it may sidestep discussing broader systemic issues related to climate change, such as governmental policies or corporate responsibilities. By concentrating on Attenborough's film, it risks minimizing discussions about collective action needed beyond individual awareness.
Manipulative Elements
The article utilizes strong emotional appeals through Attenborough's personal anecdotes and alarming statistics regarding ocean degradation. By framing his message as potentially the "greatest" he has ever shared, it may manipulate readers' emotions to provoke an immediate reaction. This approach could be perceived as a strategy to mobilize support for environmental action.
Credibility of the News
The content appears to be rooted in factual observations and Attenborough's reputable background in wildlife documentaries. However, the framing and emotional language may introduce a subjective bias, impacting the overall objectivity of the report. As such, while the article is credible, it also reflects a particular narrative aimed at sparking concern and action.
Societal Influence Potential
The promotion of this film could lead to increased public discourse surrounding environmental policies, encouraging individuals and communities to advocate for sustainable practices. The visibility of the film, especially with celebrity endorsements, may also enhance its reach and impact, potentially influencing political agendas related to climate action.
Target Audience
The article is likely to resonate more with environmentally conscious communities, activists, and younger generations who are increasingly aware of climate issues. It seeks to engage a broad audience, from casual viewers to dedicated environmentalists, thereby amplifying the message of conservation and sustainability.
Market Impact
While the immediate financial impact on stock markets may be limited, companies involved in sustainable practices or marine conservation could see a rise in interest and investment as public awareness grows. Industries tied to ocean health, such as renewable energy or eco-tourism, may benefit from increased consumer support following the film's release.
Geopolitical Context
The themes presented in the article align with current global conversations around climate change and sustainability. As nations grapple with environmental policies, the film's release could influence international discussions about marine conservation and biodiversity protection.
AI Influence in the Article
It is plausible that AI tools were employed in crafting the article to enhance its readability or optimize it for engagement. The narrative style and emotional framing suggest a deliberate effort to connect with the audience, which could indicate an AI-assisted approach in emphasizing certain points over others.
In conclusion, while the article effectively conveys an urgent message about ocean conservation through the lens of Sir David Attenborough's legacy, it also employs emotional strategies that may skew perceptions. The credibility of the content is generally strong, yet the framing could raise questions about objectivity. The potential societal impact of the film's release is significant, particularly in mobilizing public support for environmental action.