British naturalist David Attenborough’s new film, “Ocean,” premiering later on Tuesday, highlights both the extensive damage caused by human activities to the world’s oceans and their remarkable capacity for recovery.
Attenborough, a renowned nature broadcaster and filmmaker with a career spanning seven decades, uses his latest work to document the challenges facing the seas, from destructive industrial fishing practices to widespread coral reef bleaching.
“After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea,” Attenborough states in the film’s trailer.
The film’s full release in cinemas on Thursday coincides with Attenborough’s 99th birthday.
Tuesday’s premiere in London includes an evening event with celebrities and dignitaries walking a blue carpet, as well as a daytime screening for students and teachers.
Despite showcasing the dire state of the ocean’s health, Attenborough emphasizes that discoveries made during filming offer hope.
“The ocean can recover faster than we had ever imagined, it can bounce back to life,” he said.
“If we save the sea we save our world. After a lifetime of filming our planet I’m sure nothing is more important.”
The film’s release precedes the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, in June, where it is hoped that more countries will ratify a 2023 agreement to protect ocean biodiversity.
To date, only 21 countries have officially signed the agreement, falling significantly short of the 60 needed for it to take effect
