David Attenborough, the beloved natural historian and broadcaster, will mark his 99th birthday next month with the premiere of an important and timely documentary, Ocean with David Attenborough. This groundbreaking film represents his first collaboration with National Geographic and offers what the 99-year-old describes as his “most urgent warning yet”: “If we save the sea, we save our world.”
Set to air on Sunday, 8th June—coinciding with World Ocean Day—Ocean with David Attenborough offers an intimate and visually stunning exploration of our planet’s marine environments. The documentary highlights the critical threats facing ocean ecosystems while proposing actionable solutions aimed at restoring these vital habitats and stabilizing the global climate.
David reflects on the significance of the oceans in his lifetime: “My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man. In this film, we share those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can bounce back to life.”
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Tom McDonald, National Geographic’s Executive Vice President of Global Factual and Unscripted Content, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “I’m thrilled that audiences worldwide will be able to engage with Sir David’s signature storytelling and the inspirational message of this film through the power of National Geographic’s global platforms. There is no one better to deliver this landmark film than Sir David, and I’m delighted that he’s working with National Geographic for the very first time on a subject that is timely and close to his heart.”
As the nation celebrates Sir David’s milestone birthday, tributes have poured in from admirers around the world. Prince William, the Prince of Wales, praised his lifelong dedication: “As he turns 99 today, in his new film, Sir David has once again reminded us of the need to protect natural habitats – this time, those beneath the ocean. He has dedicated his life to ensuring we understand the realities of what mankind is doing to the planet. However hard-hitting his message is, Sir David always leaves us with a sense of hope and optimism that all is not lost, and this film is no different. We must act together, with urgency, to restore our oceans. Happy Birthday, David.”
The RSPB also paid tribute on social media, hailing Sir David for his decades of devotion to conservation: “Here’s to a man who has dedicated his life to conserving and understanding our natural world, and educating us all in the process. Sir David, thank you for your decades of devotion to our planet’s wonders and wildlife.”
Ocean with David Attenborough will premiere on National Geographic and be available to stream on Disney+ on Sunday, 8th June at 8pm. This poignant and inspiring documentary is a must-watch for anyone concerned about the future of our oceans and the planet.