A bombshell report from the World Wildlife Fund in 2018 found that the world’s populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish had shrunk by 60% in just over 40 years, with human activity mostly to blame for this dramatic decline.
A recent, even more shocking UN report warned that around a million species of plants and animals currently face extinction.
Now, in his new BBC1 documentary, Extinction: The Facts, Sir David Attenborough examines the precarious state of the natural world and what it means for us.
‘Over the course of my life, I’ve encountered some of the world’s most remarkable species of animals. Only now do I realise just how lucky I’ve been,’ says Sir David, 94. ‘Many of these wonders seem set to disappear forever.’
Experts believe the dire reduction in the number of species is down to four things – the illegal wildlife trade, pollution, climate change and habitat loss.
‘It’s never been more important for us to understand the affects of biodiversity loss, and how we are responsible for it,’ says Sir David. ‘Only if we do that will we have any hope of averting disaster.
‘Its loss threatens our ability to feed ourselves, to control our climate, it even puts us at greater risk of pandemic diseases such as COVID-19.’
But Sir David thinks there is still hope for the planet – and us...
This story is from the September 12, 2020 edition of TV Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 12, 2020 edition of TV Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Nicky left FOR DEAD...
Ethan abandons him when they're involved in a car crash
Life in FOCUS
GORKA MÁRQUEZ and GEMMA ATKINSON on inviting the cameras back into their world
Kitchen NIGHTMARE!
A dinner party with a difference reveals the reality of Belle's life with controlling Tom
Liam OVERDOSES
Maria's struggling son takes Paul's pills
TREASURES of Thailand
SUE PERKINS on exploring the wonders of the Southeast Asian country
My CHALLENGING role
CHRISTOPHER HARPER on his shock return to the cobbles and how playing Nathan has changed his life
LOVE & MARRIAGE
How a dream wedding has a complex seating plan in a starry romcom...
DOCTOR'S orders
WILLIAM BECK on his dedicated medic leading the charge to protect Holby ED
BACK on the BEAT
MARTIN FREEMAN on reprising his role as a crisis-stricken cop...
What lies BENEATH
EDEN TAYLOR-DRAPER and JAMES CHASE on how a groundbreaking episode of Emmerdale hopes to show relationships in a new light...