On Sunday evening, the legendary BBC presenter took viewers to the southernmost continent for the first episode of “Seven Wolds, One Planet.” Now 93, Sir David emphasised the shocking effects human beings are having on this untouched frozen desert by contributing to global warming. He revealed how the population of albatross – large seabirds that live in cold conditions – has more than halved in 15 years.
This is due to the warming of the Southern Ocean, which is causing more severe weather patterns than ever seen before and the young birds simply cannot deal with it.
Sir David said: “Summer in Antarctica is a time of plenty, when most Humpback whales are able to put on the reserves they need for the whole year.
“But the wildlife in these waters faces an uncertain future.
“The Southern Ocean is warming and 90 percent of the world’s ice lies in Antarctica.
The warming of the coldest region on Earth is having a profound effect on global weather patterns
“In some parts, the rate that it is melting is doubling every decade.
“Sea levels are rising, but there is a more immediate threat.”
Sir David explained how albatross chicks are often left on their own by their parents.
He added: “The warming of the coldest region on Earth is having a profound effect on global weather patterns.
“This change in the climate is already being felt right here.
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“This grey-headed Albatross chick is four weeks old, so far it has been sheltered from the gales by its parents.
“It is the only chick that they will have in two years.
“The delicate touching of the beaks strengthens their bond, but these tender moments cannot last forever.
“As a chick grows, so does its appetite, so one parent has to leave to find food before the other returns, parting is a big step and they take time over it.”
The chick was then shown struggling to stay alive on its own, before meeting a sad destiny which clearly touched the presenter.
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Sir David finalised: “For the first time in its life, this chick is alone.
“The Antarctic is the windiest continent and in recent years climate change has brought storms that are more frequent and even more brutal.
“Winds now regularly reach 70mph, and the Albatross chicks must try to stay on their nests.
“Surviving the storm is one thing, but now off the nest in these freezing temperatures, this chick has just hours to live.
“The brutal conditions have taken their toll, some have succumbed to the exposure.
“The albatross population here has more than halved in the last 15 years.”
Sir David previously revealed why he is still making documentaries at his age.
He said: “We are now universal, our influence is everywhere.
“We have it in our hands to save the world, and we have made a tragic, desperate mess of it so far.
“Nations are coming together and recognising we all live on the same planet and we are dependent on it for every mouthful of food we eat and every breath of air we take.
“And making programmes like this, I’ve been doing it for a long time, and I’m sure a hell of a lot of young people are saying, ‘For God’s sake, why doesn’t he move over? Give another person a chance’, but, anyway, there I am."
Sir David then revealed he still gets the same buzz from making documentaries and hopes it will inspire others.
He explained: “It is extraordinary.
“At the time people thought we were cranks but suddenly, after Blue Planet II, you hit the right note.
“I’m thrilled that we’re about to share this incredible series with the world.
“Seven Worlds, One Planet celebrates the variety of life on our planet while also shining a spotlight on its challenges.”
The first episode of Seven Worlds, One Planet was aired on BBC One on Sunday, October 26, at 6.15pm.
Viewers can now catch up with each instalment in Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) on BBC iPlayer.
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David Attenborough makes shocking Antarctica discovery during BBC Seven Worlds, One Planet - Express.co.uk
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