David Attenborough's Witness Statement

By Claire Eamer

I don't have a lot of heroes (of any gender), but in the field of science communication, David Attenborough definitely qualifies. For almost 70 years, the British naturalist and broadcaster has been observing, filming, and interpreting the natural world for audiences of all kinds and all ages.

That bit -- "all ages" -- is one of the reasons he's my hero. He doesn't talk down to his audience. Nor does he oversimplify. He speaks to his audience simply and directly. You don't have to be a scientist or even an adult to understand him. Attenborough demonstrates again and again that complicated subjects can be communicated effectively in language that anyone of almost any age can understand. It's a principle that I try to stick to in my own science writing.

During this clip filmed for the David Attenborough Instagram account, which is managed by the filmmakers, Sir David Attenborough explains why it’s vital for us to put nature at the heart of our decisions. (Source: https://attenboroughfilm.com/about/)

I also try to emulate the way he lets his passion show. Attenborough is as full of wonder at the natural world as he was more than 60 years ago, and he lets us see that. He has worked with dozens or scores of crews, producers, researchers, writers, and scientists over the years, but that humane and human face and voice have not changed. They ARE David Attenborough.

Now, in his 90s and nearing what must inevitably be the end of a long and remarkable life, David Attenborough has delivered what he calls his "witness statement." It's his summation of the changes to the natural world that he has witnessed over the decades, almost all caused by humankind, and his sense of our urgent need to deal with those changes. 

Attenborough's witness statement is delivered -- as is only right -- in the form of a beautifully filmed and narrated documentary: David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet. The film is currently streaming on Netflix in Canada. If you have access to Netflix through an account or a library account, I recommend it highly.

I also recommend exploring the website set up by Attenborough's company and his partner in the project, the World Wildlife Fund. The site contains a wealth of information and background material for anyone inspired by the film. There are resources for schools, community groups, and for individuals. David Attenborough's witness statement is not just a look back at what we have lost but also a call to action for a better future.