David Attenborough has expressed grave concerns about the detrimental effects of human activity on the deep ocean floor, which he has labeled “unspeakably awful.” This statement was made during a conversation with Prince William to promote his latest documentary, “Ocean with David Attenborough.” The discussion took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall and was shared on Kensington Palace’s social media channels.
Attenborough emphasized the invisible nature of the damage inflicted on the ocean floor, noting that if such destruction occurred on land, there would be widespread outrage. He described his reaction upon viewing footage for the documentary: “I was appalled” when he saw the current state of the deep sea environment. The documentary illustrates how Attenborough’s life has intertwined with significant discoveries about the ocean and highlights the critical importance of a healthy ocean for the stability and prosperity of the planet.
Set to release on World Oceans Day, which is this Sunday, Attenborough hopes the film will raise awareness and inspire action to protect the oceans before irreversible damage occurs. He characterizes the documentary as a vital tool to help families view the realities of the ocean from their homes, fostering greater public engagement.
Prince William also reflected on the vast unexplored areas of the ocean, calling it “fascinating” that there are regions that humanity has yet to witness. Attenborough confirmed that such unexplored territories still exist, presenting exciting opportunities for future exploration and discovery.
Both Attenborough and William have a long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy, having previously collaborated on initiatives such as The Earthshot Prize, which aims to provide solutions for critical environmental challenges, including the protection of ocean ecosystems. “Ocean” builds upon Attenborough’s extensive work with marine scientists and raises pressing concerns about threats like deep-sea mining and climate change impacts on biodiversity.
The documentary’s release coincides with the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where discussions will focus on protections for 30% of the world’s oceans. Attenborough is calling for increased urgency to address these issues through his latest work.
This collaboration between two prominent figures in environmental conservation underscores the hope that with greater awareness and commitment, significant strides can be made in preserving our planet’s oceans for future generations.