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, and natural historian. Renowned for his captivating nature documentaries, particularly the BBC's "Life" collection, he has dedicated his career to exploring and documenting the Earth's diverse flora and fauna. His work has not only educated millions about the natural world but also raised awareness of critical environmental issues, making him a prominent voice in conservation efforts. Attenborough's contributions have significantly shaped public understanding of biology and the importance of preserving our planet.

Sections (5)

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

1936: Influence of Grey Owl

In 1936, David Attenborough and his brother Richard attended a lecture by Grey Owl (Archibald Belaney) in Leicester. Grey Owl's advocacy of conservation greatly influenced Attenborough.

1979: Release of Life on Earth

Beginning in 1979 with 'Life on Earth', David Attenborough created a body of work that set a benchmark for quality in wildlife filmmaking and influenced documentary filmmakers. The series gained the trust of scientists, allowing him to feature their subjects.

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1993: Attenborosaurus conybeari named

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 in honor of David Attenborough.

2008: Materpiscis attenboroughi named

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

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September 2009: Attenborough Studio opens at the Natural History Museum

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

2012: Featured in The New Elizabethans

In 2012, David Attenborough featured in the BBC Radio 4 series The New Elizabethans to mark the diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and was named among those who had a significant impact during her reign.

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2012: Appearance on 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.

September 2013: Comment on his Work

In September 2013, David Attenborough commented on his good fortune to be "swanning round the world looking at the most fabulously interesting things" instead of "hewing coal."

2015: Sirdavidia named

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

2016: Microleo attenboroughi named

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

March 2017: Cascolus ravitis named

In March 2017, a 430 million year old tiny crustacean was named Cascolus ravitis after David Attenborough.

July 2017: Myotis attenboroughi named

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

2018: Sylvicanthon attenboroughi named

In 2018, David Attenborough was also commemorated in the name of the scarab beetle Sylvicanthon attenboroughi.

2018: Syracosphaera azureaplaneta named

In 2018, a new species of phytoplankton, Syracosphaera azureaplaneta, was named to honor The Blue Planet, the TV documentary presented by Attenborough, and to recognize his contribution to promoting understanding of the oceanic environment.

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2020: Nothobranchius attenboroughi named

In 2020, Nothobranchius attenboroughi, a brightly colored seasonal fish species endemic to Tanzania, was described in honor of David Attenborough.

2021: Attenborolimulus superspinosus named

In 2021, an extinct species of horseshoe crab was named Attenborolimulus superspinosus in honor of David Attenborough.

July 2022: Auroralumina attenboroughii named

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, the United Nations Environment Programme recognized Attenborough as a Champion of the Earth for his dedication to research, documentation, and advocacy for the protection and restoration of nature.

2023: Named invaluable to green diplomacy

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.