**Sir David Attenborough at 99: Delivering His Most Crucial Message Yet**
As he approaches his 100th birthday, Sir David Attenborough has taken a momentous step by launching what he claims is one of the most significant films of his illustrious career. His new cinema-length film, aptly titled *Ocean*, is aimed at underscoring the importance of marine conservation in the face of mounting climate challenges. With his profound voice echoing through nearly a century of life experience, Sir David believes this film could play a pivotal role in safeguarding biodiversity and combatting climate change, issues of monumental significance today.
On the cusp of celebrating 99 years of life, Attenborough reflects on his nearly century-long journey, stating, “After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on land is not on Earth but at sea.” This poignant acknowledgment highlights the vital role the oceans play as the planet’s life-support system and as humanity’s foremost ally against environmental crises.
The film presents a striking narrative: the world’s oceans are at a critical juncture. A blue carpet will welcome the premiere of *Ocean* tonight at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall, where a medley of celebrities, including musician Chris Martin from Coldplay, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, astronaut Tim Peake, and musicians Geri Halliwell-Horner and Simon Le Bon, are expected to grace the event.
Toby Nowlan, the film’s producer, describes *Ocean* as transcending traditional natural history documentaries. “This is not about seeing brand new natural history behaviours. It is the greatest message he’s ever told,” says Nowlan, emphasizing the film’s unique and urgent call to action. Spanning the timeline of Sir David’s lifetime, the documentary starkly contrasts the evolution of our knowledge about the oceans and their current precarious state.
Attenborough recalls his first scuba dive off the Great Barrier Reef in 1957, where he was captivated by the underwater spectacle to the point that it left him momentarily breathless. However, the decades since have witnessed a catastrophic decline in oceanic life. Attenborough warns: “We are almost out of time.” *Ocean* includes graphic footage that demonstrates the destructive impact of bottom trawling, a common industrial fishing practice that devastates marine ecosystems. Through the lens of this documentary, he poignantly illustrates how this methodology not only diminishes marine biodiversity but also exacerbates climate change by releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide—making clear that this practice is legally sanctioned yet deeply flawed.
Nevertheless, Sir David’s outlook is not entirely bleak. While he acknowledges the dire state of the oceans could lead to despair, he grasps at what he calls “the most remarkable discovery of all”: the ocean’s astonishing ability to recover. One heartening aspect that instills hope for him is the revival of whale populations following the global ban on commercial whaling enacted in 1986, which has since allowed these majestic creatures to rebound significantly.
Keith Scholey, one of the film’s directors who has collaborated with Attenborough for over four decades, humorously recalls his first encounter with the British broadcaster, commenting on Attenborough’s remarkable vitality despite approaching 100. “Every time you work with David, you learn something new. It’s really good fun… a very creative process,” Scholey affirms, capturing the infectious energy that Attenborough brings to his work.
The key message of *Ocean* is a beacon of hope. Sir David notes governments’ commitments to protect a third of the world’s oceans and expresses his hope that this film will galvanize leaders to honor this pledge, particularly with a vital UN conference approaching. He asserts, “The ocean can bounce back to life,” emphasizing that should we allow it the space to thrive, it can surpass our expectations.
As he gears up for his 99th birthday this week, Attenborough remains unwavering in his fight for the natural world. The voice that has narrated generations is once again beckoning us to act in preservation of our planet’s wonders. Indeed, *Ocean* will be gracing cinemas across the country starting Thursday, serving as both a tribute to life under the sea and a powerful call to action for its preservation.