David Attenborough delivers message to begin 2021 during New Year’s celebrations

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Kelly Rissman

US News Reporter

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Beloved nature documentarian Sir David Attenborough has delivered a message to ring in the new year.

Attenborough appeared on the BBC as 2021 began, narrating the traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks display, which people watched on TV in accordance with Covid-19 safety restrictions.

Speaking to viewers as 2021 began, Attenborough preached a message of environmental awareness and activism. 

“Happy New Year,” he said. “Our planet is unique. A living world of diversity and wonder. It’s also fragile.”

As he spoke, drones formed the shape of the African continent inside a turtle.

“With the new year comes the opportunity for change,” he continued. “And if we act in 2021, we can make a world of difference. Together, we can turn things around. Together, we can restore our fragile home and make it a happy new year for all the inhabitants of planet Earth.”  

The Black Lives Matter movement and the NHS were also given tributes as part of the night’s ceremony, which took place in London, above the O2 arena and on the river Thames.

It was recently announced that Attenborough would be hosting a second series of Dynasties, the BBC One series which explores the lives of different animals.

He can also be seen presenting A Perfect Planet, a five-episode series which begins on BBC One at 8pm on Sunday 3 January.