Sir David Attenborough is set to celebrate his 99th birthday on Thursday, marking the occasion with the premiere of his latest documentary, Ocean, at the Royal Festival Hall in London. This event coincides with commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), reinforcing the theme of reflection and forward-looking optimism that permeates the film.
Ocean is more than just a stunning visual experience; it serves as an impassioned call to action regarding the urgent challenges facing the planet, particularly the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss. Attenborough, speaking through the documentary, emphasises humanity's power to make a difference, particularly through the preservation of oceanic ecosystems. The film highlights the pivotal role that ocean plankton – “the most abundant animal on earth” – plays in absorbing carbon dioxide emissions and producing oxygen at rates outpacing all the world's trees combined.
As the film delves into the dark underbelly of oceanic exploitation, it identifies the deep-sea fishing industry as a primary antagonist, focusing on how massive trawlers and dredgers decimate marine ecosystems. Attenborough describes the process of these vessels stripping the ocean floor of life, which is then processed for a variety of products, including health supplements and pet food, delivering an unsettling vision of commerce at the expense of natural sustainability.
In contrast to Attenborough’s renowned television works such as Planet Earth and Blue Planet, Ocean presents itself with a slightly different format, characterised by its remarkable underwater cinematography, while dispensing with some of the more conventional documentary tropes of predation and mating rituals. Instead, it focuses on a theme of hope, bolstered by evidence that marine ecosystems can regenerate more quickly than previously understood. Convincingly, Attenborough points to the rebound of populations in regions where fishing practices have been curtailed, declaring that the world’s oceans could indeed recover if nations commit to creating fully protected marine reserves.
Attenborough remains a source of optimism, particularly illustrated by the resurgence of species previously thought lost, such as the giant black sea bass. He notes that many whale species, once devastated by hunting, are now flourishing, highlighting the dramatic comeback of the blue whale. He describes these occurrences as a vivid reminder of the resilience of marine life, invoking a sense of hope for both the oceans and, indeed, himself.
Among the notable attendees at the film’s premiere was King Charles, further underscoring the documentary's significance within a broader cultural and environmental context.
Ocean with David Attenborough is set to open in cinemas nationwide on Thursday, potentially providing audiences a poignant reflection on the interconnectedness of life and the pressing need for conservation efforts as humanity looks to the future.
Source: Noah Wire Services