Renowned British naturalist David Attenborough, now 99, unveils a powerful new film titled Ocean, focusing on the immense challenges and surprising resilience of the world’s seas. The premiere, held in London on Tuesday evening, was attended by King Charles, with other high-profile guests including former U.S. climate envoy John Kerry and model Cara Delevingne. Earlier in the day, Prince William watched a special student and teacher screening, underlining the royal family’s strong environmental commitment.
Spanning his seven-decade career, Attenborough’s work has consistently raised awareness about the fragility of the natural world. In Ocean, he shifts his focus entirely to the planet’s waters, documenting destructive practices such as industrial overfishing and widespread coral reef bleaching. Yet, the film is not without hope. Scenes of restored seabeds suggest the ocean’s ability to heal itself, offering a positive vision amidst an otherwise sobering reality. “The ocean can recover faster than we had ever imagined. It can bounce back to life,” Attenborough declares in the film.
Timed to coincide with his birthday, the release of Ocean underscores a lifetime of dedication to environmental storytelling. Once a voice heard on only two television channels, Attenborough has remained a central figure in nature broadcasting despite the rise of digital media and countless other platforms. His message still resonates widely, especially with younger generations.
Executive producer Enric Sala, founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas, highlighted the importance of introducing the film to students. He hopes it will spark inspiration among young viewers to carry the torch forward, becoming the environmental advocates of tomorrow. Sala emphasized that Attenborough remains the unifying voice for nature, even in a fragmented media landscape.
The film also serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need for international cooperation. It premieres just ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in June, a key moment where countries are expected to ratify the 2023 treaty aimed at protecting marine biodiversity. The agreement still requires more signatories to take effect.
As the film concludes, Attenborough’s words echo powerfully: “If we save the sea, we save our world.” It is a call to action from a lifelong witness to nature’s beauty and fragility, delivered with the authority and warmth that have defined his legacy.
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