Entertainment
Sir David Attenborough narrates gorgeous animation on protecting ‘indispensable’ nature
Sir David Attenborough has narrated a new short animation describing the importance of protecting nature and biodiversity (Picture: The Royal Society/PA Wire)
The benefits of nature are ‘indispensable’ for making human life possible and worth living, Sir David Attenborough says in a new animated film centered on the importance of biodiversity.
The beautifully animated short explains the value of biodiversity – the diversity of life on Earth – as well as the damage humans are doing to nature, and what we can do to reverse the damage that has already been done.
From the Royal Society, the film is narrated by Sir David and has been released at a time when countries are due to discuss efforts to reverse declines in nature at a virtual UN biodiversity conference this week, and ahead of the global Cop26 climate talks in Glasgow later this month.
In the animation, the beloved naturalist and TV presenter spells out how nature provides food, shelter, medicines and cultural and spiritual benefits for everything on earth, from mangroves that stop storm surges to cancer-fighting fungi found on sloths.
However, he warns: ‘Despite the overwhelming benefits of a healthy planet, many human actions are destroying biodiversity.’
Sir David points to the continued over-exploitation of land, climate change, corals hit by warming oceans, animals hunted towards extinction for meat and body parts, and plastic pollution as some of the greatest threats to biodiversity.
The short animation explains the value of biodiversity, the diversity of life on Earth, as well as the damage humans are doing to nature (Picture: The Royal Society/PA Wire)
He calls for action to cut greenhouse gas emissions, protect nature by giving it space to thrive or through active conservation schemes, and ensure affected communities are given a place at the table as part of global efforts to ensure countries can develop in ways that work with nature, not against it.
In the video, which can be seen below, Sir David concludes: ‘The benefits provided by nature are indispensable for making human life both possible and worth living.
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‘We need all the riches of our living planet to help us live healthy, happy lives long into the future.’
As well as the hard-hitting short film, the Royal Society is releasing a Q&A of 16 common questions the public has about biodiversity to help inform people about humanity’s impact on nature.
Professor Yadvinder Malhi, chairman of the Royal Society biodiversity working group, said ‘it has never been more important for people to understand their role as global citizens in protecting Earth’s rich and bountiful biodiversity and limiting climate change’, particularly that in the lead-up to the nature and climate conferences.
The animation has been released ahead of global meetings on climate change and biodiversity due to take place this month (Picture: The Royal Society/PA Wire)
He said: ‘We are thrilled that Sir David Attenborough is helping us to shine a spotlight on the urgent biodiversity crisis.
‘This animated film brings the viewer on a journey of discovery of the riches of nature while highlighting the many human actions which contribute to destroying this essential biodiversity.
‘We are called to take action to reduce our burden on the natural world and help preserve a biologically diverse planet long into the future.’
The short film was created by OOF Animation and directed and animated by Ana Stefaniak and Ignatz Johnson.
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