I am saddened by the overwhelmingly one-sided criticism of David Attenborough’s alleged failure to address environmental issues in his nature programmes (Letters, 12 November). Like many teachers I have used Attenborough’s wonderful productions to enthuse my pupils with a love of science and a deep appreciation of our living planet. No living person has educated more children and adults than he. And with education comes the knowledge and understanding necessary to debate the survival of life on Earth calmly and rationally.
One of Attenborough’s great strengths is his refusal to be evangelical or politically correct (there are enough of those about). He talks the language of Darwin and evolution but doesn’t preach atheism or secularism. He has shown us virtually every ecosystem on the planet but, having armed us with the knowledge, leaves it up to us, and especially the environmentalists, what to do with it.
Stan Labovitch
Windsor
• I agree with much of what George Monbiot has to say, but I found his criticism of David Attenborough harsh and unjustified (Attenborough has betrayed the living world he loves, 7 November). Attenborough’s much-acclaimed wildlife programmes can have left most viewers in little doubt about his deep concerns over the damage being done to the environment, and made a significant contribution to public awareness of the problems.
Some years ago, I happened to be at the north pole base camp for expeditions and other activities at the same time as the Frozen Planet team. I was struck by the care and time they were taking to find the right conditions for Attenborough to stand at the pole in order to do a piece to camera expressing his worries about global warming. This was not somebody trying to brush the issue under the carpet.
Paddy Clark
Chiddingfold, Surrey
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