Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

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

‘With the new year comes the opportunity for change,’ said the beloved TV presenter

Louis Chilton
Friday 01 January 2021 08:51 EST
Comments
David Attenborough narrates New Year's 2021 fireworks

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in