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 {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TOO CLOSE for comfort
Cindy frets when wounded Junior plays games
CONFESSION time
Denise tells the Brannings that daughter Chelsea caused the crush at Peggy’s
Joel MURDERED!
But which of the villain's many haters is to blame?
Love HURTS
Sam's injured when he tries to reunite Nick and Leanne
Girl BOSS!
FELICITY WARD introduces us to the female version of David Brent.
ECHOES of the past
ELEN RHYS on swapping solving crimes in Spain for a murder mystery in her native Wales
True DETECTIVES
We celebrate the crime-crackers who will be unravelling mysteries over the coming months...
Double TROUBLE
MICHAEL MCINTYRE on how fresh twists and star power will make this the best series of The Wheel yet
Time to say GOODBYE...
As Emmerdale legend Zak Dingle passes away, actor LISA RILEY pays tribute to her beloved co-star, the late Steve Halliwell
Power & PASSION!
What to expect from a lavish reworking of Dame Jilly Cooper’s steamy saga, set in the cut-throat world of TV