The Yale Globalist

A Life on His Planet by Phoebe Campbell

8 ADAPTATION | Winter/Spring 2021

At 93 years old, the British broad- caster and natural historian Sir has arguably seen more Sir David’s documentary seeks to of the natural world than any other person. He has spent his life travelling bring unequivocal attention, and every continent, documenting the vast array of species that nature has to offer. These experiences give him a potential solutions, to a pressing unique understanding of the critical point we have reached in our relation- ship with the planet that nurtures us, question: how must our behaviours and are why he so fervently appeals for change. and technologies adapt to rectify Humankind has made signifi- cant technological advancements and adaptations in the way we live, as both the damage that we have caused? a way to survive, and to continual- ly elevate our quality of life. These himself advocates: adaptation. and succinct, conveying with urgency a advancements have occurred with Adaptation in an ecological sense message that reflects both the severity of startling frequency since the Industrial refers to behavioural or physical traits the situation and the positive impact of Revolution, which marked the tran- that give animals a survival advan- adapting our behaviour in ways that will sition into the period now recognised tage in their natural environment. benefit the planet. by geologists as the Anthropocene. These adaptations can be noted in Attenborough’s unrivalled knowl- This epoch encompasses the beginning every species that walks the earth, as edge and experience of the natural world of significant human impact upon they all share one commonality—a makes his message uniquely powerful. the natural world: from its geology survival instinct so powerful that the As someone who has devoted his life to and ecosystems to the stability of the species’ genetic make-up is funda- the study of the planet, he is also well climate. In his latest documentary, Sir mentally changed in order to adapt aware that his time on it is dwindling. David focuses on how nature fares in to the resources of the natural world. The enduring message of his most recent this modern epoch modified by man, However, humanity often departs documentary, A Life on , and of bearing his emotional testament as from this tendency. Instead, we adapt those that preceded it—including Blue a key witness to our changing, and natural resources to accomplish our Planet, Planet Earth, and The Queen’s Green warming, world. own goals, behaviour that perma- Planet—is his legacy. As his audience, and Accordingly, Attenborough de- nently alters our environment. Sir fellow humans, it is our duty to make his scribes his 2020 documentary A Life on David’s documentary seeks to bring legacy our planet’s future. • Our Planet as his “witness statement.” It unequivocal attention, and potential is a statement that reflects on the life he solutions, to a pressing question: how Phoebe Campbell is a junior in Benjamin has lived on this planet, and the evolu- must our behaviours and technologies Franklin College and can be reached at tionary history of all life on Earth. Its adapt to rectify the damage that we [email protected]. goal is to offer a vision for a sustainable have caused? and harmonious future on the planet Attenborough highlights five @davidattenborough that has given us life, and the one that key actions to reverse the destruction https://attenboroughfilm.com/ we are on the verge of destroying. caused by . These Attenborough’s moving narration actions aim to use the resources of the calls viewers to action: both the film’s natural world in a way that is sustain- website and Instagram account offer able and sympathetic to our planet’s a deeper look into the documentary’s needs and limitations. The strategies, message and provide structured oppor- as outlined in his documentary, are to tunities for the public to get involved, phase out the use of fossil fuels and such as by hosting a screening, holding power the world with solar, wind, wa- arts action workshops and running ter and geothermal renewable energy; programs in schools. Attenborough’s to restore the ocean’s abundance by move to social media is a first for him prohibiting fishing in certain regions; and focuses the force of his activism to modify our diet to one that is large- where it is most easily amplified. ly plant-oriented; to stop Though no longer active, the Insta- and allow forests to recover; and to gram account is a nuanced reflection replant native trees around the world. of the change for which Attenborough Attenborough’s guidance is simple

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