United Nations names David Attenborough Champion of the Earth
The veteran broadcaster used the occasion to urge action to prevent further destruction of the planet.
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
The UN’s Environment Programme (UNEP) has named Sir David Attenborough a Champion of the Earth.
The award is in recognition of the environmentalist’s commitment to sharing stories about the natural world and climate change, according to the BBC.
In comments carried by the broadcaster, Sir David urged action to prevent further destruction of the planet.
“Fifty years ago, whales were on the very edge of extinction worldwide. Then people got together and now there are more whales in the sea than any living human being has ever seen,” the 95-year-old said.
“We know what the problems are and we know how to solve them. All we lack is unified action.”
UNEP executive director Inger Anderson paid tribute to Sir David, saying: “If we stand a chance of averting climate and biodiversity breakdowns and cleaning up polluted ecosystems, it’s because millions of us fell in love with the planet that he captured on film and writing, in his voice.”
Previous recipients of the award include Barbados prime minister Mia Mottley and charity SeaWomen of Melanesia.
Ahead of last year’s Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow, Sir David called for “bold action” and support for local communities and landowners so they can create connected wild places on land and at sea to protect humanity.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.