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 extensive work in nature documentaries. Beginning with Zoo Quest in 1954, he has written, presented, and narrated numerous acclaimed series, including The Life Collection and the Planet Earth franchise. A pioneer in wildlife filmmaking, Attenborough has won BAFTA Awards across various formats and received numerous honorary degrees and Emmy Awards. He is also an environmental advocate, raising awareness about conservation and the impact of climate change.

Sections (5)

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

1979: Life on Earth released

Beginning with Life on Earth in 1979, Attenborough set about creating a body of work which became a benchmark of quality in wildlife film-making and influenced a generation of documentary film-makers.

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1993: Plesiosaur species renamed Attenborosaurus conybeari

In 1993, the palaeontologist Robert Bakker renamed the Mesozoic reptile Plesiosaurus conybeari as Attenborosaurus conybeari.

2002: Attenborough named among the 100 Greatest Britons

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

2002: Life on Air and Attenborough the Controller are broadcast

In 2002, Life on Air examined the legacy of Attenborough's work, and Attenborough the Controller focused on his time in charge of BBC Two.

2004: Convinced of Human Influence on Climate Change

After a 2004 lecture, David Attenborough was convinced that humans were responsible for climate change.

2006: Spoke out about climate change

In 2006 David Attenborough spoke out about climate change for the first time after being silent on the issue.

2006: Attenborough named most trusted celebrity in the UK

In 2006, Attenborough was named the most trusted celebrity in the UK in a Reader's Digest poll.

2006: Attenborough brothers receive Distinguished Honorary Fellowships

In 2006, the two eldest Attenborough brothers returned to their home city to receive the title of Distinguished Honorary Fellows of the University of Leicester, "in recognition of a record of continuing distinguished service to the University."

2007: Attenborough wins The Culture Show's Living Icon Award

In 2007, Attenborough won The Culture Show's Living Icon Award.

2008: Fossilised fish named Materpiscis attenboroughi

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

September 2009: Natural History Museum opens the Attenborough Studio

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

2012: Attenborough featured in The New Elizabethans

In 2012, Attenborough featured in the BBC Radio 4 series The New Elizabethans to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, recognized for his significant impact on lives in the UK.

2012: Attenborough appears on Sgt. Pepper's album cover remake

In 2012, 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: Attenborough comments on his fortunate position

In September 2013, Attenborough commented on his fortunate position of "swanning round the world looking at the most fabulously interesting things."

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 his title.

2016: Miniature marsupial lion named Microleo attenboroughi

In 2016, a miniature marsupial lion, Microleo attenboroughi, was named in his honor.

March 2017: 430-million-year-old crustacean named Cascolus ravitis

In March 2017, a 430-million-year-old small crustacean was named after 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 named Myotis attenboroughi

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

2017: Broadcast of "Blue Planet II"

In 2017, "Blue Planet II" was broadcast, with David Attenborough returning as presenter. It gained high UK viewing figures and increased attention to plastic pollution.

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2018: New species of fan-throated lizard named Sitana attenboroughii

In 2018, a new species of fan-throated lizard from coastal Kerala in southern India was named Sitana attenboroughii in his honour.

2018: Phytoplankton species and scarab beetle named in honour of Attenborough

In 2018, a new species of phytoplankton, Syracosphaera azureaplaneta, was named to honour The Blue Planet, and the scarab beetle Sylvicanthon attenboroughi was also named to commemorate Attenborough.

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2020: Seasonal fish species named Nothobranchius attenboroughi

In 2020, Nothobranchius attenboroughi, a brightly coloured seasonal fish species, was described in his honour. It is endemic to Tanzania.

2020: Advocacy for Reduced Meat Consumption

In his 2020 documentary film David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet, David Attenborough advocated for people to adopt a vegetarian diet or to reduce meat consumption to save wildlife.

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2021: Speech at COP26 Opening Ceremony

In 2021, David Attenborough gave a speech at the opening ceremony of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), emphasizing humans' problem-solving abilities and expressing optimism for environmental recovery.

2021: Extinct horseshoe crab species named Attenborolimulus superspinosus

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

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 Attenborough.

2022: Recognition as Champion of the Earth

In 2022, David Attenborough was recognized as a Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme for his dedication to research, documentation, and advocacy for nature protection and restoration.