Lasting Legacy of David Attenborough: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of David Attenborough continue to shape the world today.

Sir David Attenborough is a highly influential British broadcaster, biologist, natural historian, and author. He is most renowned for his groundbreaking nature documentary series, the 'Life' collection, produced in collaboration with the BBC Studios Natural History Unit. These comprehensive series offer an extensive exploration of animal and plant life across the globe. Attenborough's work has significantly raised awareness of environmental issues and the importance of conservation, making him a leading voice in promoting understanding and appreciation for the natural world.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1979: Life on Earth Release

In 1979, Life on Earth was released, establishing a benchmark of quality in wildlife film-making and influencing a generation of documentary film-makers.

1993: Extinct Reptile Renamed Attenborosaurus conybeari

In 1993, after discovering that the Mesozoic reptile Plesiosaurus conybeari did not belong to the genus Plesiosaurus, the palaeontologist Robert Bakker renamed the species Attenborosaurus conybeari.

1999: Richard directs Grey Owl Biopic

In 1999, Richard Attenborough directed a biopic of Archibald Belaney (Grey Owl), who had influenced David's conservation advocacy since 1936.

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2002: Attenborough Named Among the 100 Greatest Britons

In 2002, David Attenborough was named among the 100 Greatest Britons in a BBC poll.

2008: Fossil Fish Named Materpiscis attenboroughi

In 2008, a fossilised armoured fish discovered in Western Australia was named Materpiscis attenboroughi, after David Attenborough had filmed at the site and highlighted its scientific importance in Life on Earth.

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September 2009: Natural History Museum Opens Attenborough Studio

In September 2009, London's Natural History Museum opened the Attenborough Studio, part of its Darwin Centre development.

2012: Attenborough Featured on New Sgt. Pepper's Album Cover

In 2012, David Attenborough was among the British cultural icons selected by artist Sir Peter Blake to appear in a new version of his most famous artwork – the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover – to celebrate the British cultural figures of his life.

2015: Tree Species Named Sirdavidia Couvreur & Sauquet

In 2015, a species of tree from Gabon (in the Annonaceae family) Sirdavidia Couvreur & Sauquet was named with David Attenborough's title.

2016: Miniature Marsupial Lion Named Microleo attenboroughi

In 2016, A miniature marsupial lion, Microleo attenboroughi, was named in David Attenborough's honor.

March 2017: Crustacean Cascolus ravitis Named After Attenborough

In March 2017, a 430 million year old tiny crustacean was named after David Attenborough. Called Cascolus ravitis, the first word is a Latin translation of the root meaning of "Attenborough", and the second is based on a description of him in Latin.

July 2017: Caribbean Bat Myotis attenboroughi Named After Attenborough

In July 2017, the Caribbean bat Myotis attenboroughi was named after David Attenborough.

2018: Lizard Species Named Sitana attenboroughii

In 2018, a new species of fan-throated lizard from coastal Kerala in southern India was named Sitana attenboroughii in David Attenborough's honor.

2018: Phytoplankton and Beetle Species Named After Attenborough and "The Blue Planet"

In 2018, a new species of phytoplankton, Syracosphaera azureaplaneta, was named to honour The Blue Planet, the TV documentary presented by David Attenborough, and to recognise his contribution to promoting understanding of the oceanic environment. The same year, Attenborough was also commemorated in the name of the scarab beetle Sylvicanthon attenboroughi.

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2020: Fish Species Named Nothobranchius attenboroughi

In 2020, Nothobranchius attenboroughi, a brightly coloured seasonal fish species was described in David Attenborough's honor. This species is endemic to Tanzania and it is known from ephemeral pools and marshes associated with the Grumeti River and other small systems draining into Lake Victoria at the east side of the lake, largely within the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

2021: Extinct Horseshoe Crab Named Attenborolimulus superspinosus

In 2021 an extinct species of horseshoe crab was named Attenborolimulus superspinosus.

2021: United Nations Climate Change Conference

In 2021, David Attenborough was a key figure in the build-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), and gave a speech at the opening ceremony.

July 2022: Fossil Named Auroralumina attenboroughii

In July 2022, a fossil of a 560-million-year-old creature named Auroralumina attenboroughii, which researchers believe to be the first animal predator, was named after David Attenborough.

2022: Champion of the Earth

In 2022, David Attenborough was recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme as a Champion of the Earth.

2023: Attenborough Ranked Among Britain's Most Powerful Left-Wing Figures

In 2023, David Attenborough was described by the New Statesman as a figure "invaluable to green diplomacy" in the UK, placing him twenty-third in their list of Britain's most powerful left-wing figures.