Sir David Attenborough is a renowned British broadcaster, biologist, natural historian, and writer celebrated for his groundbreaking work on the "Life" series. Produced with the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, these nine nature documentaries offer a sweeping exploration of animal and plant life across the globe.
May 1926: Birth of Sir David Attenborough
David Attenborough was born in Isleworth, Middlesex in May 1926.
May 1926: Early Life and Family
David Attenborough was born in May 1926 and grew up in a family passionate about education. His father was the principal of the University of Leicester, where they resided.
1936: Attenborough Brothers Inspired by Grey Owl's Conservation Message
In 1936, David and his brother, Richard, attended a lecture by conservationist Grey Owl. The experience left a lasting impact on both brothers, particularly David, who carried the message of conservation throughout his life.
1945: Attenborough Begins Studies at Cambridge
David Attenborough pursued his higher education at Clare College, Cambridge starting in 1945 where he dedicated himself to the study of geology and zoology.
1947: Attenborough Serves in the Royal Navy
David Attenborough answered the call to service in 1947, joining the Royal Navy. He dedicated two years to his country, stationed in North Wales and the Firth of Forth.
1950: Attenborough Marries Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel
David Attenborough married Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel in 1950.
1950: Attenborough Explores Career Opportunities with the BBC
Seeking a change, Attenborough applied for a radio producer position at the BBC in 1950. Though unsuccessful, his application caught the attention of Mary Adams from the television department, leading to an unexpected career turn.
1951: Birth of Robert Attenborough
David Attenborough's first child, Robert, was born in 1951.
1952: Attenborough Joins the BBC Full-Time
In 1952, Attenborough formally began working full-time at the BBC.
1954: Attenborough's Debut as Host of Zoo Quest
David Attenborough rose to prominence in 1954 as the host of the television show Zoo Quest.
1954: Attenborough's Entry into Natural History Programming
David Attenborough's journey into natural history programming started in 1954 with Animal Patterns. It was his collaboration on this show that paved the way for his involvement in Zoo Quest, marking the beginning of his long and illustrious career showcasing the wonders of the natural world.
1954: Birth of Susan Attenborough
David Attenborough's second child, Susan, was born in 1954.
1957: First Filming at the Great Barrier Reef
David Attenborough first filmed at the Great Barrier Reef in 1957.
1957: Establishment of the BBC Natural History Unit
The BBC formally established its Natural History Unit in Bristol in 1957.
1964: BBC Two Launch and Early Struggles
BBC Two was launched in 1964 but initially faced challenges in gaining viewership and establishing its identity.
March 1965: Attenborough Appointed Controller of BBC Two
In March 1965, David Attenborough took on the role of Controller for BBC Two, succeeding Michael Peacock.
1969: Civilisation and the Birth of Landmark Documentaries
In 1969, David Attenborough made a pivotal decision by commissioning "Civilisation," a 13-part series on Western art history. This acclaimed series, showcasing the new UHF color television, set the standard for in-depth, author-driven documentaries, known as "sledgehammer" projects.
1969: Attenborough Films Documentary on Bali's Cultural History
In 1969, David Attenborough filmed a three-part documentary series exploring the cultural history of the Indonesian island of Bali.
1969: Creation of "The World About Us"
David Attenborough created "The World About Us" in 1969 as a way to utilize color television.
1969: Promotion to Director of Programmes
Attenborough was promoted to Director of Programmes in 1969, overseeing both BBC channels. This role involved administrative tasks like budgets, board meetings, and staff changes, taking him away from filmmaking.
1970: Attenborough Receives Honorary Doctorate from Leicester University
In 1970, David Attenborough's alma mater, the University of Leicester, awarded him an honorary Doctor of Letters degree, recognizing his early achievements.
1971: Attenborough Joins Expedition in New Guinea for "A Blank on the Map"
David Attenborough participated in the first Western expedition to a remote highland valley in New Guinea in 1971 for the film 'A Blank on the Map', which aimed to locate a lost tribe.
1972: Declining Director-General Candidacy
In 1972, when considered for the Director-General position at the BBC, Attenborough confided in his brother, expressing no desire for the role.
1973: Return to Programme-Making and "Eastwards with Attenborough"
Leaving his directorial post in 1973, Attenborough became a freelance broadcaster, embarking on a project in Indonesia. This resulted in the color series "Eastwards with Attenborough," reminiscent of his earlier "Zoo Quest" work but focusing on Asia.
1975: Exploration of Tribal Art, Voyages, and Mythical Creatures
Attenborough presented series on tribal art ("The Tribal Eye") and voyages of discovery ("The Explorers") in 1975. He also engaged a younger audience with the children's series "Fabulous Animals," exploring mythical beings like mermaids and unicorns.
1976: "Life on Earth" Production Begins
After securing a co-production deal with Turner Broadcasting, "Life on Earth" went into production in 1976, marking a significant milestone in Attenborough's career.
1977: Wildlife on One Premiere
David Attenborough began narrating the BBC One wildlife series "Wildlife on One" in 1977.
1979: "Life on Earth" Premieres, Setting a New Standard
"Life on Earth" premiered in 1979, establishing a new benchmark for wildlife filmmaking. The series, with its rigorous research and captivating storytelling, earned the trust of scientists and influenced a generation of documentary filmmakers.
1979: Reporting on China's One-Child Policy
In 1979, Attenborough visited China, providing the Western world with early insights into the country's newly implemented one-child policy.
1979: "Life on Earth" Launches Influential Documentary Series
The year 1979 saw the launch of David Attenborough's groundbreaking documentary series, "Life on Earth." This marked the beginning of a 30-year collaboration with the BBC Natural History Unit, resulting in nine influential documentaries under the "Life" series.
1980: Attenborough Honoured by the Open University
In 1980, David Attenborough was honored by the Open University, marking the beginning of a long-standing association with the institution.
1980: Attenborough Becomes Honorary Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge
In 1980, David Attenborough's contributions to academia were acknowledged with an Honorary Fellowship from Clare College, Cambridge.
1982: Attenborough Receives Honorary Doctorate from Durham University
David Attenborough's contributions to science were acknowledged in 1982 when he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Durham University.
1984: Attenborough Awarded Honorary Doctorate from Cambridge University
Further solidifying his academic standing, Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Cambridge in 1984.
1987: "Meerkats United" Voted Best Wildlife Documentary
The "Wildlife on One" episode "Meerkats United," narrated by David Attenborough, was voted the best wildlife documentary of all time by BBC viewers in 1987.
1987: Exploring Humanity's Impact in "The First Eden"
Attenborough examined humanity's influence on the Mediterranean Basin's natural history in his 1987 documentary, "The First Eden," highlighting the complex relationship between humans and the environment.
1988: Oxford University Awards Attenborough Honorary Doctorate
In 1988, the University of Oxford bestowed upon Attenborough an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree, recognizing his impact on the field.
1990: "The Trials of Life" Completes the "Life" Trilogy
In 1990, Attenborough completed his groundbreaking "Life" trilogy with "The Trials of Life," focusing on animal behavior throughout their lifespans. This series further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in natural history filmmaking.
1990: From Fossils to Human Rights: "Lost Worlds" and "Prisoners of Conscience"
In 1990, Attenborough indulged his passion for fossils with the documentary "Lost Worlds, Vanished Lives." That same year, he participated in the BBC's "Prisoners of Conscience" series, bringing attention to the plight of Sudanese poet Mahjoub Sharif, demonstrating his concern for human rights.
1990: Attenborough Becomes Freeman of the City of Leicester
In 1990, David Attenborough's contributions were further acknowledged when he was made an honorary Freeman of the City of Leicester.
1993: Exploring Antarctica in "Life in the Freezer"
"Life in the Freezer," Attenborough's 1993 series, provided the first comprehensive television survey of Antarctica's natural history, further demonstrating his commitment to showcasing the wonders of the natural world.
1993: Prehistoric Reptile Renamed Attenborosaurus
In 1993, paleontologist Robert Bakker renamed a species of Mesozoic reptile Attenborosaurus conybeari after discovering it didn't belong to the Plesiosaurus genus, a testament to Attenborough's influence in the field.
1995: Award-Winning "The Private Life of Plants"
Despite being past retirement age, Attenborough continued to innovate with "The Private Life of Plants" in 1995. This series used time-lapse photography to reveal the dynamism of plants, earning him a Peabody Award.
1997: Attenborough's Work Recognized with Honorary Doctorate from Ghent University
David Attenborough's influence extended beyond Britain, as evidenced by the honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree he received from the University of Ghent in 1997.
1997: Death of Jane Attenborough
In 1997, David Attenborough's wife, Jane, passed away.
1997: Narration of BBC Wildlife Specials
In celebration of the Natural History Unit's 40th anniversary, David Attenborough narrated the BBC Wildlife Specials in 1997.
1998: Avian Behavior in "The Life of Birds"
Attenborough explored the world of birds in 1998 with "The Life of Birds," focusing on their behavior. The series earned him his second Peabody Award, highlighting his ability to engage audiences with diverse aspects of the natural world.
1998: Political Views
In 1998, Attenborough described his political stance as a "standard, boring left-wing liberal" and expressed criticism of the market economy, calling it "misery."
1998: Attenborough Awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Zoological Society of London
Reflecting his commitment to zoology, Attenborough was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Zoological Society of London in 1998.
1999: Attenborough Honoured by the Linnean Society
In 1999, David Attenborough was recognized for his contributions to natural history with an Honorary Fellowship from the Linnean Society.
1999: Richard Attenborough Directs Grey Owl Biopic
Richard Attenborough directed a biopic about Grey Owl, released in 1999, highlighting the conservationist's impact on both brothers.
2000: "State of the Planet" Addresses Human Impact
David Attenborough's "State of the Planet" examined the consequences of human activities on the natural world in 2000.
2000: Attenborough Becomes Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Biology
The Institute of Biology (now the Royal Society of Biology) bestowed upon Attenborough an Honorary Fellowship in 2000, recognizing his significant influence in the field.
2001: Narration of "The Blue Planet"
David Attenborough narrated "The Blue Planet," the BBC Natural History Unit's first comprehensive series on marine life, in 2001.
2002: "The Life of Mammals" and Technological Advancements
"The Life of Mammals" (2002) showcased advancements in filmmaking technology, using low-light and infrared cameras to capture nocturnal animal behavior. The series featured memorable interactions between Attenborough and various mammals.
2002: Opposition to Creationism in Education
Attenborough joined prominent religious leaders and scientists in 2002 to oppose the inclusion of creationism in the curriculum of UK state-funded independent schools.
2002: Attenborough Named Among 100 Greatest Britons
David Attenborough was recognized as one of the 100 Greatest Britons in a 2002 BBC poll, solidifying his place in British history.
2002: "Life on Air" Publication
In 2002, David Attenborough published his autobiography, "Life on Air", which detailed his life and career up to that point.
2002: BBC Celebrates Attenborough's Legacy and Career
In 2002, the BBC aired two programs, "Life on Air" and "Attenborough the Controller," celebrating David Attenborough's impact on natural history programming and his time leading BBC Two.
2003: Launch of Rainforest Reserve Appeal and ARKive
Attenborough launched an appeal for the World Land Trust in 2003 to establish a rainforest reserve in Ecuador honoring Christopher Parsons, the producer of "Life on Earth." He also helped launch ARKive, a digital natural history library initiated by Parsons.
2004: Attenborough Featured in Wildlife Presenters Documentary
Attenborough was prominently featured in the 2004 BBC series "The Way We Went Wild," which explored the work of natural history television presenters.
2004: Shift in Stance on Climate Change
Attenborough's initial skepticism about human impact on climate change changed in 2004 when he was convinced by a lecture that humans were responsible.
2005: End of Wildlife on One
After 253 episodes, David Attenborough's run as narrator of "Wildlife on One" came to an end in 2005.
2005: Support for BirdLife International
Attenborough actively supported a BirdLife International project in 2005 aimed at preventing the killing of albatrosses by longline fishing boats.
2005: Unveiling "Life in the Undergrowth"
Attenborough continued to embrace new technology in 2005 with "Life in the Undergrowth," using macro photography to reveal the fascinating world of invertebrates to a wider audience.
2006: Viewers Vote on Attenborough's Most Memorable Moments
To celebrate David Attenborough's 80th birthday, UKTV held a viewer poll in 2006 to determine his most beloved moments on television, with the lyrebird mimicry segment emerging as the winner.
2006: Attenborough Brothers Honored by University of Leicester
In 2006, David and his brother Richard Attenborough were recognized as Distinguished Honorary Fellows of the University of Leicester for their exceptional contributions.
2006: Attenborough Named Most Trusted Celebrity in UK Poll
David Attenborough was voted the most trusted celebrity in the UK in a 2006 Reader's Digest poll, reflecting his widespread popularity and respect.
2006: Exploring Climate Change in "The Truth about Climate Change"
David Attenborough presented "The Truth about Climate Change" in 2006, delving into the pressing issue of global warming.
2006: Narration of "Planet Earth"
David Attenborough provided narration for "Planet Earth," the largest nature documentary ever produced for television at the time, in 2006.
2006: Advocacy for Borneo's Rainforest
Attenborough lent his support to a WWF campaign in 2006 that aimed to secure protected status for a significant portion of Borneo's rainforest, covering 220,000 square kilometers.
2006: Public Stance on Climate Change
After a shift in his understanding, Attenborough began publicly addressing climate change in 2006.
2007: Attenborough Wins Living Icon Award
In 2007, David Attenborough received The Culture Show's Living Icon Award, solidifying his status as a prominent cultural figure.
2007: Attenborough Awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries
In 2007, David Attenborough received an Honorary Fellowship from the Society of Antiquaries, highlighting his wide-ranging interests and expertise.
2007: Attenborough's Work Highlighted in Wildlife Film Centenary Program
In 2007, the BBC aired "100 Years of Wildlife Films," marking the centenary of the nature documentary genre, and prominently featured Attenborough's contributions.
2008: Completing "Life on Land" and Reflections on a Legacy
"Life in Cold Blood" (2008) marked the completion of Attenborough's exploration of all major terrestrial animal and plant groups, culminating in the "Life on Land" DVD encyclopedia. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Attenborough acknowledged the monumental effort and expressed hope that his work would continue to resonate with future generations.
2008: Fossil Fish Named After Attenborough
An armored fish fossil, discovered in 2008 in Western Australia where Attenborough had filmed and emphasized its scientific significance, was named Materpiscis attenboroughi in his honor. The fossil is thought to be the earliest evidence of internal fertilization.
2008: Criticism of BBC Television Schedules
Attenborough criticized the BBC's television scheduling in 2008, arguing that BBC One and BBC Two were airing similar programs concurrently, which he believed contradicted the purpose of having two flagship channels.
January 2009: "David Attenborough's Life Stories" Premieres on Radio 4
The first episode of David Attenborough's "David Attenborough's Life Stories," a series of monologues covering natural history, aired on Radio 4 in January 2009.
March 2009: Appearance on "Friday Night with Jonathan Ross" and Views on Evolution and God
During an appearance on "Friday Night with Jonathan Ross" in March 2009, Attenborough shared his perspective on evolution, stating that it didn't necessarily contradict the existence of a God. He identified as agnostic, expressing uncertainty about the existence of God.
September 2009: Natural History Museum Opens Attenborough Studio
In September 2009, the Natural History Museum in London opened the Attenborough Studio as part of its Darwin Centre development, a testament to his lasting impact on the field.
2009: Criticism of Genesis and Emphasis on Darwinism
Attenborough publicly stated in 2009 that the Book of Genesis, by suggesting human dominion over the environment, had negatively impacted the planet. He emphasized the significance of Darwinism and evolution, contrasting it with his views on creationism.
2009: Broadcast of "Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life" and Criticism of Creationism in Education
In 2009, the BBC aired Attenborough's one-hour special "Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life." In connection with the program, Attenborough strongly refuted creationism and "intelligent design," expressing his concern over a survey revealing that a quarter of UK science teachers supported teaching creationism alongside evolution.
2009: "How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth?" Examines Population Growth
In 2009, David Attenborough presented "How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth?," which investigated the implications of human population growth.
2009: "Life on Air" Revised Edition and Audiobook Release
David Attenborough's autobiography, "Life on Air", was revised and re-released in 2009. This edition was also made available as an audiobook narrated by Attenborough himself.
2010: Attenborough Receives Honorary Doctorates from Two Universities
David Attenborough received honorary doctorates from both Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Nottingham Trent University in 2010, acknowledging his global impact.
2010: "Flying Monsters 3D" Debuts
David Attenborough's first 3D film, "Flying Monsters 3D," premiered on Christmas Day in 2010.
2010: Attenborough Pioneers 3D Documentary with "Flying Monsters"
Ever the innovator, David Attenborough embraced new technology in 2010 with "Flying Monsters," a pioneering documentary in the 3D format that showcased prehistoric creatures.
2010: "First Life" Completes the Evolutionary Picture
In 2010, Attenborough highlighted "First Life," focusing on evolutionary history preceding "Life on Earth," as a crucial addition to the "Life" series, solidifying his comprehensive approach to depicting life's history.
2011: On-Screen Appearance in "Frozen Planet"
David Attenborough took on a more prominent role in "Frozen Planet," appearing on-screen and authoring the final episode, in 2011.
2012: Attenborough Featured in Sgt. Pepper's Album Cover Remake and "The New Elizabethans"
In 2012, artist Sir Peter Blake included David Attenborough in a new version of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album cover, celebrating prominent British cultural figures. The same year, Attenborough was featured in the BBC Radio 4 series "The New Elizabethans," honoring influential figures during Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
January 2013: Attenborough Holds Record for Honorary Degrees
By January 2013, Attenborough had received 32 honorary degrees from British universities, the most of any individual, highlighting his immense contribution to academia and public life.
June 2013: Attenborough Receives Pacemaker
In June 2013, David Attenborough underwent a medical procedure to have a pacemaker fitted.
September 2013: Attenborough's Perspective on Aging and Work
In September 2013, David Attenborough expressed contentment and a lack of desire to retire, stating that he felt fortunate to have a job that allowed him to travel and experience amazing things.
2013: Opposition to Badger Cull
Attenborough collaborated with musicians Brian May and Slash in 2013 to oppose the UK government's badger cull policy by participating in a song dedicated to badgers.
2013: Controversial Remarks on Human Overpopulation
Attenborough sparked controversy in 2013 when he referred to humans as a "plague on the Earth" during an interview and criticized sending food aid to famine-stricken nations due to concerns about population growth.
2013: Attenborough Made Honorary Freeman of Bristol
In 2013, David Attenborough was recognized with the Freedom of the City of Bristol, highlighting his broader impact and influence.
September 2014: Second Series of "Tweet of the Day" Begins
The second series of BBC Radio 4's "Tweet of the Day," featuring David Attenborough as one of the presenters, began in September 2014.
October 2014: Announcement of Three New Attenborough Documentaries
The BBC announced three new documentaries featuring David Attenborough in October 2014: "Attenborough's Paradise Birds," "Attenborough's Big Birds," and "Waking Giants."
2014: Attenborough Becomes First to Win BAFTAs Across Multiple Technological Eras
In 2014, David Attenborough achieved a unique feat: becoming the only person to win BAFTA awards for programs in black and white, color, high-definition, and 3D, showcasing his exceptional career spanning across decades of technological advancement in television.
2014: Support for Scottish Union
Attenborough was among 200 public figures who signed a letter to "The Guardian" expressing their desire for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.
2015: "Great Barrier Reef" Series Release
David Attenborough appeared in "Great Barrier Reef," a three-part series marking his tenth project with Atlantic Productions, in 2015.
2015: Attenborough Undergoes Double Knee Replacement
David Attenborough had a double knee replacement in 2015.
2015: Gabonese Tree Species Named After Attenborough
In 2015, a new species of tree discovered in Gabon, Sirdavidia Couvreur & Sauquet, was named in honor of David Attenborough, using his title as its name.
2015: Endorsement of Caroline Lucas
In the lead-up to the 2015 UK general election, Attenborough joined other celebrities in endorsing the Green Party's Caroline Lucas.
2015: Third Series of "David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities"
The third series of "David Attenborough's Natural Curiosities," narrated by Attenborough, aired in 2015.
2016: Reflections on Terry Wogan and Past Decisions
In 2016, Attenborough reflected on his decision, while in charge of BBC Two, to turn down Terry Wogan's job application, citing the existing presence of an Irish announcer. He also expressed regret over sanctioning the wiping of television content, including a series by Alan Bennett, to cut costs.
2016: Return to "Planet Earth" for "Planet Earth II"
David Attenborough returned as the narrator and presenter for "Planet Earth II" in 2016.
2016: Extinct Marsupial Lion Named in Attenborough's Honor
A new species of miniature marsupial lion, Microleo attenboroughi, was named in honor of David Attenborough in 2016, adding to the list of species bearing his name.
March 2017: Ancient Crustacean Named After Attenborough
A 430-million-year-old crustacean species, Cascolus ravitis, was named after David Attenborough in March 2017. 'Cascolus' translates to the root meaning of "Attenborough" in Latin, and 'ravitis' is based on a Latin description of him.
July 2017: Caribbean Bat Species Named After Attenborough
Furthering his recognition in the scientific community, a Caribbean bat species discovered in July 2017, Myotis attenboroughi, was named after David Attenborough.
2017: "Blue Planet II" Receives Critical Acclaim
David Attenborough returned as presenter for "Blue Planet II" in 2017. The series was critically acclaimed, achieved record-breaking viewership, and raised awareness of plastic pollution.
2018: New Lizard Species Named After Attenborough
Adding to his long list of namesake species, a new species of fan-throated lizard discovered in coastal Kerala, India, was named Sitana attenboroughii in David Attenborough's honor in 2018.
2018: "Dynasties" Explores Animal Kingdoms
David Attenborough narrated the five-part series "Dynasties," focusing on different animal species, in 2018.
2018: New Species of Phytoplankton and Beetle Named After Attenborough and "The Blue Planet"
In 2018, a new species of phytoplankton, Syracosphaera azureaplaneta, was named in recognition of Attenborough's documentary "The Blue Planet" and his contribution to raising awareness of the ocean. The same year, a scarab beetle, Sylvicanthon attenboroughi, was also named in his honor.
2018: Criticism on Environmental Messaging
In 2018, while promoting his show "Dynasties," Attenborough received criticism for not emphasizing environmental messages enough in his programs, expressing concern that viewers might find repeated warnings about threats to wildlife "a turn-off."
2019: Release of Environmental Films
David Attenborough released several impactful films in 2019, including "Extinction: The Facts," which highlighted the ongoing sixth mass extinction, and "Climate Change - The Facts."
2019: A Year of Environmental Advocacy
In 2019, David Attenborough narrated the Netflix series "Our Planet," the documentary "Wild Karnataka," and the BBC One films "Climate Change – The Facts" and "Extinction: The Facts."
October 2020: A Life's Work on Screen and in Nature
David Attenborough's documentary "David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet" was released on Netflix in October 2020, coinciding with the start of filming for "The Green Planet."
2020: Advocacy for Zoological Society of London and Earthshot Prize Council
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Attenborough championed the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and its conservation endeavors. In the same year, he was appointed to the Earthshot Prize Council, an initiative spearheaded by Prince William to discover solutions for environmental problems.
2020: Support for Deep Sea Mining Moratorium
In 2020, Attenborough backed a Fauna and Flora International campaign that called for a global moratorium on deep sea mining to protect marine life from its potential impacts.
2020: Release of "A Life on Our Planet"
In 2020, Attenborough released the documentary film "A Life on Our Planet," in which he urged viewers to consider reducing meat consumption or adopting a vegetarian diet to contribute to wildlife conservation.
2020: Attenborough Critiques Excess Capitalism and Lack of Climate Action
In 2020, David Attenborough publicly criticized the excesses of capitalism, linking it to ecological imbalances. He argued for curbing these excesses and highlighted the lack of global cooperation on climate change.
2020: Advocacy for Reduced Meat Consumption
In his 2020 documentary "David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet," Attenborough advocated for people to reduce their meat consumption or transition to vegetarianism as a way to protect wildlife and the environment.
June 2021: Breaking Boundaries on Netflix
David Attenborough narrated the Netflix documentary "Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet," released in June 2021.
2021: Attenborough Addresses G7 Summit on Climate Change
David Attenborough addressed the leaders of the 47th G7 summit in 2021, emphasizing the urgency of climate change and describing it as a political challenge demanding immediate action to avoid global destabilization.
2021: A Powerful Message at COP26
David Attenborough delivered a compelling speech at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), emphasizing the role of humans in environmental recovery.
2021: A Colorful Year for Attenborough
David Attenborough presented three series in 2021: "Attenborough's Life in Colour," "The Mating Game," and "A Perfect Planet."
2021: Extinct Horseshoe Crab Named After Attenborough
In 2021, Attenborough received further recognition when an extinct species of horseshoe crab was named Attenborolimulus superspinosus in his honor, adding to the growing list of species bearing his name.
May 2022: Journey into Prehistory
David Attenborough returned to the world of prehistoric life with the release of "Dinosaurs: The Final Day" and "Prehistoric Planet" in May 2022.
July 2022: 560-Million-Year-Old Predator Fossil Named After Attenborough
A 560-million-year-old fossil, Auroralumina attenboroughii, believed to be the earliest known predator, was named after David Attenborough in July 2022. This honor highlights his lifelong contribution to understanding the natural world.
2022: Champion of the Earth
The United Nations Environment Programme honored David Attenborough as a Champion of the Earth in 2022 for his contributions to environmental research, documentation, and advocacy.
2023: Attenborough Recognized as a Key Figure in Green Diplomacy
In 2023, the New Statesman recognized David Attenborough's influence in environmental advocacy, describing him as "invaluable to green diplomacy" and ranking him 23rd on their list of Britain's most powerful left-wing figures.