Sir David Attinborough Receives Lifetime Achievement Award: "Protector of the Earth"

The prestigious award was given to the 95-year-old by the UN Environment Program: "He has spent 70 years exposing the beauty of nature - and exposing the threats he faces.

At the same time, it offered millions of viewers a vision of a more sustainable future. "

News agencies

24/04/2022

Sunday, 24 April 2022, 16:02 Updated: 16:14

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Sir David Attinborough was crowned "Earth Protector" on Friday by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

Receiving the award, Attinborough said the world must take immediate action to protect nature and the planet. He added that environmental success stories should give us hope that change can be brought about.

"Fifty years ago, whales were on the verge of extinction around the world.

Then people reunited and now there are more whales in the sea than ever before.

We know what the problems are and we know how to solve them.

"All we need is united action," he said.

"The Voice of God"

UNEP Director General Inger Andersen said the UN chose to recognize Athens because of its dedication to covering the natural world.

"If we have any chance of preventing a climate crisis and biodiversity and cleaning up ecosystems, it's because millions have fallen in love with the planet he covered in his films, writing and voice," Andersen said.

The UN website states that "Today, Athens, 95, is without a doubt the best-known nature broadcaster in the world.

During a career that began at the dawn of television, he wrote and screened some of the most influential documentaries on the state of the planet, including the nine-part series 'Life'.

"With what the New York Times calls 'the voice of God' and endless curiosity, he has spent 70 years exposing the beauty of nature - and exposing the threats he faces. Alongside that, he has offered millions of viewers a vision of a more sustainable future."

Athens began working on nature programs in the 1950s.

His shows were filmed in remote areas of the world and became instantly popular.

In the last four years, his warnings about the damage that climate change is causing to the planet and humans have become increasingly grim.

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