On Thursday 8th May, Sir David Attenborough celebrated his 99th birthday. To mark the occasion, a variety of popular groups and organisations have sent messages to celebrate Attenborough’s birthday, including the BBC, who shared a 99-second video on Instagram:
“Happy 99th birthday, Sir David Attenborough! There’s no one else like you ❤️ .” – BBC
However, the day didn’t just mark the celebration of Attenborough’s birthday, but also the release of the new documentary “Ocean”. Throughout the film, Attenborough expressed his sadness towards the current state of the world’s environment. Attenborough stresses the urgency of how if we act now, we can work to restore the health of our oceans and reverse the effects of harmful human activity.
The new documentary examines why our oceans are in such poor health, but importantly, how it can be restored back to good condition. The film argues that the ocean is the planet’s support system and driver of change. Attenborough stresses the urgency of how if we act now, we can work together to restore the health of our oceans and reverse the effects of harmful human activity.
In today’s climate, “Ocean” serves as a powerful driver of change – urging businesses to reduce carbon emissions and contribute towards building a healthier, more sustainable planet.
In this article, we explore:
- David Attenborough’s meaningful work
- The urgency of the messages in “Ocean”
- Why business leaders should pay attention now
- What businesses can do next in the combat against climate change
Attenborough’s Work To Combat Climate Change
Famously, Attenborough is a huge advocate for actions against climate change. His documentary work demonstrates the negative effects that global warming is having on our planet. Specifically, his documentary series “Blue Planet” highlighted the effects of human activities on the ocean, including plastic pollution, overfishing and climate change. “Blue Planet” captured the attention of 14.1 million viewers, significantly raising global awareness of ocean and environmental issues.
Attenborough’s extensive broadcasting career has spanned eight decades. He is known for presenting BBC’s Life series, including:
- Life on Earth
- The Living Planet
- The Private Life of Plants
- The Life of Birds
- The Life of Mammals
- Life in Cold Blood
- Planet Earth Series
In addition to his broadcasting career, Attenborough also studied geology and zoology at Cambridge University in 1945 and gained a degree in Natural Sciences. He then launched his career in broadcasting at the BBC, where he first made a name for environmental broadcasting. In 1960, he left the BBC to study a postgraduate degree in social anthropology at the London School of Economics.
Attenborough has also contributed to actions against climate change outside of broadcasting. Between 1991-1995, he served as the president of the Royal Society for Nature Conservation. He also served as the Vice president of The Conservation Volunteers and Fauna and Flora International, Ember of the Earthshot Prize Council, and serves on the advisory board of the BBC Wildlife Magazine. Currently, Attenborough sits as the president of the Butterfly Conservation as well as present of the Royal Society for Nature Conservation.
The naturalist’s lifelong dedication to environmental science has made him one of the most influential voices in the combat against climate change. His work, years later, continues to appeal to a wide range of audiences and helps drive change. His latest film Ocean has also caused a lot of discussion in the climate community, an impact which we will now explore.
Urgency Of The Messages In “Ocean”
On the 8th May, Attenborough’s new film “Ocean” was released globally in cinemas. The beloved presenter expressed the ocean’s ability to bounce back and recover from harmful human activity if we collaboratively act now. Attenborough urged the message:
“If we save the sea, we save our world. After a lifetime of filming our planet, I’m sure nothing is more important.” – Attenborough, “Ocean” (2025).
Attenborough’s new message emphasises the urgent need to protect and care for our oceans, and that if we can save the ocean, we can save the planet.
“In this film, we uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps more importantly, show how it can bounce back to life.” – Attenborough, “Ocean” (2025).
Attenborough’s new film depicts the natural beauty of the ocean, but also, how human activities are essentially harming it. The film helps audiences reflect on how important our ocean is, the threats of climate change, and how we can work together to save the sea. The message inspires a range of viewers, but particularly young people, to act against climate change.
Our Ocean Can Bounce Back
Attenborough projects how the ocean can essentially bounce back from climate change if we create ocean sanctuaries and prevent harmful human activities (such as illegal fishing) from happening. The beloved naturalist believes that the ocean has a brilliant ability to recover and bounce back if we leave it alone and give it the space to do so.
How Can The Ocean Recover?
- Marine Protected Areas: Attenborough highlights the significance of these, where destructive human activities are banned and marine life is allowed to thrive and recover.
- Protecting the ocean floor: The ocean floor is a huge carbon store. Carbon dioxide can be absorbed here to prevent release into the atmosphere. Practices like bottom tailing need to be stopped, so that carbon can be released back into the atmosphere.
- Reducing harmful activities: Ending bottom trawling and other destructive fishing practices, being mindful of plastic usage, and reducing the amount entering the ocean.
What Can Businesses Do Next?
Businesses with a large platform can make a huge difference to protect the ocean and environment. Attenborough calls on businesses to take action to reduce their plastic pollution, support marine conservation efforts and promote sustainable fishing.
Businesses can even make small changes such as using eco-friendly packaging and promoting sustainable transportation. Additionally, educating employees about the significance of sustainability in today’s climate can help to encourage participation in sustainability efforts. Developing a strategic and clear sustainability plan can help businesses monitor their efforts and progress.
Investing in a carbon accounting platform
Additionally, companies can invest in a carbon accounting platform to quantify their impact on the climate, mitigate risks and potentially identify energy inefficiencies. By doing so, businesses can easily understand and monitor their carbon footprints, alongside gaining a clearer overview of their greenhouse gas emissions. Taking small steps like these can help businesses increase their sustainability and meet their environmental targets.
Benefits of carbon accounting platforms
- Competitive advantage: When businesses show a commitment to sustainability, their brand image improves, investors are attracted, and stakeholders are more engaged. As a result, companies can gain a competitive edge in the market.
- Environmental risk mitigation and guaranteed compliance: Carbon accounting platforms help businesses meet all environmental compliance requirements and avoid any potential penalties or damage to their reputation.
- Informed decision making: Valuable data is provided by carbon accounting platforms that can be used to make informative, strategic decisions. These decisions could involve investing in renewable energy or optimising your supply chain.
Essentially, carbon accounting platforms are extremely beneficial for businesses who want to make a sustainable difference. Promoting sustainability in more businesses is a great way to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment.
“The ocean’s power of regeneration is remarkable – if we just offer it a chance.” – David Attenborough
Conclusion
Attenborough’s birthday and release of his film “Ocean” urges us to actively start protecting the ocean and give it the space it needs if we want to reverse the effects of harmful human activities. The film also urges businesses to implement sustainability practices such as carbon accounting platforms that can help companies gain a comprehensive understanding of their carbon footprint.
By understanding their carbon footprints, businesses can make informed decisions, mitigate risks and comply with environmental standards. Showing a commitment to sustainability can increase a business’s brand image and attract investors as a result, while urging others to do the same.
Attenborough’s film serves as a huge tool for change – but we must act now if we want to reverse the effects of climate change. The naturalist emphasises that it’s not too late!
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