A Vision for the Future
Original Publication 07/10/20
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Astonishing, heartbreaking, and difficult to swallow. These are just three terms I could use to describe A Life On Our Planet (2020) the latest addition to the works of my most beloved of heroes, Sir David Attenborough. A national treasure, whose global recognition has come during a career spanning over 50 years.
This film plays partly as a homage to his wondrous and self-declared "fortunate" life, offering us a glimpse into some of his defining moments as a naturalist, but what's most prominent are his declarations on climate change and his "vision for the future." He is, after all, a relative expert. He's seen it all with his own eyes. Bleached and dead coral reefs, melting polar ice caps, animals fighting for survival by our own hand, his vision is genuine, profound and, most crucially, achievable. It's not about changing our lives to a drastic degree, it's about taking those habitual elements of life that we treat with necessity, and adjusting them to fit a more sustainable, ecological nature. It's about acting once again in respect for our home and our planet. It's about everyone doing a little to achieve a lot.
What astounds me most as I sit and convey my musings to you, curious reader, is that there are still people and political leaders in this world that deny the glaringly imminent and catastrophic nature of the most serious threat we've faced as a species. The consensus is simple, the time is past wherein we can meander along with vague intentions of ecological change, we must act now with conviction to ensure the survival of our species.
In context to the general tone of Musings of the Everyman, such a consensus is far more direct in its urgency, but it surely needs to be. And it must be acknowledged that there are signs of a shift to that consensus, as the documentary attests to, but what's clear is the distance left to go on this paramount journey that we all must be part of.
In truth, Attenborough is the perfect host to convey all discussed here. His soothing tone and passionate, expressive demeanour cut through the grave and anxiety-inducing nature of what we hear just enough to make it universally accessible. In turn, it empowers us as an audience. I left the cinema and spoke to my partner with a heavy heart, but with a passion to heed my heroes warning, and do my part to assure his vision becomes a reality. I urge you all to take the time to see this vital documentary. Certainly, his most important to date.
Some important links for you, curious readers.
learn.eartheasy.com/articles/where-to-donate-10-high-impact-environmental-charities-with-integrity/