Cop26: Sir David Attenborough warns ‘humanity already in trouble’ as he urges leaders to act on climate change in passionate speech

Sir David Attenborough has warned that humanity is ‘already in trouble’ in a passionate speech at the Cop26 climate summit.

The environmentalist, 95, addressed world leaders and Royals, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US President Joe Biden and Prince Charles, at the hearing in Glasgow earlier today, urging them to take notice of climate change.

Addressing the crowd at the opening ceremony, he charted carbon emissions throughout human history, which has peaked at 414 parts per million.

Sharing the rising figures, he pleaded with those in power to act fast and reduce the level of carbon in the atmosphere.

‘We are already in trouble. The stability we depend on is breaking,’ the star said. ‘This story is one of inequality as well as instability. Today those who have done the least to cause this problem are being the hardest hit. Ultimately all of us will feel the impact, some of which [is] now unavailable.

‘Is this how our story is due to end? A tale of the smartest species doomed by that all-too-human characteristic of failing to see the bigger picture in pursuit of short-term goals.

Sir David Attenborough spoke at Cop26 in Glasgow (Picture: Reuters)

‘Perhaps the fact that the people most affected by climate change are no longer some imagined visions but young people alive today. Perhaps that will give us the impetus we need to rewrite our story, to turn this tragedy into triumph.’

Sir David vowed that the motivation for building a more ‘equal world’ should be hope, and implored world leaders to start working together to make this a reality.

‘We will all share in the benefits,’ he insisted. ‘We’re going to have to learn together how to achieve this, ensuring none are left behind. We must use this opportunity to create a more equal world, and our motivation should not be fear but hope.

‘It comes down to this: The people alive now, the generation to come will look at this conference and consider one thing – did the number stop rising and start to drop as a result of commitments made here? There’s every reason to believe the answer can be yes.’

Sir David was met with praise over his passionate speech (Picture: AP)

The documentarian ended the plea by adding: ‘If working apart, we are forces powerful enough to destabilise our planet, surely working together, we are powerful to save it.

‘In my lifetime I’ve witnessed a terrible decline, in yours you could and should witness a wonderful recovery. That desperate hope is why the world is looking to you, and why you are here.’

He was met with a standing ovation from President Biden in the room, with many on social media heaping praise on the speech.

Flocking to Twitter to discuss the scenes, one commented: ‘Stunning speech, full of wonder and a plea of great hope from Sir David Attenborough at #COP26.’

More: Showbiz

‘Let’s hope everyone at COP26 got the message from the brilliant, utterly sharp and on point David Attenborough,’ a viewer agreed.

‘With 95 years he showed me much more brains, energy and motivation to act than most of the 26 world leaders. Here is a lesson to learn. #DavidAttenborough.’

‘David Attenborough as phenomenal as ever on the case for change and what #COP26 is all about,’ a Twitter user said. ‘Would encourage everyone to watch his speech in full.’

Another suggested: ‘Can’t we just put Sir David Attenborough in charge of the world? Then we might actually have a chance in sorting this catastrophe out #COP26.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Rihanna serves pure fire in Savage x Fenty lingerie campaign and, would you look at that, we’re hyperventilating

MORE : ‘I’m not a monster!’ Killer doll Chucky confirms he’s an LGBT ally in Child’s Play sequel series