Sir David Attenborough delivered some stark home truths in his latest documentary Extinction: The Facts, saying humanity is at “a critical moment” to save the planet’s ecosystem.
The 94-year-old added that he “might not be here to see” mankind pull together to save a number of Earth’s endangered inhabitants.
The documentary detailed how over a million different species are at risk of extinction due to the biodiversity crisis, which may also lead humanity to suffer from more pandemic diseases such as coronavirus.
But Attenborough did wrap up his hour-long special with a message of hope; recalling a documentary he made in 1992, the presenter explained how he visited a group of mountain gorillas that were once endangered, and became particularly enamoured with the cheeky Poppy, who tried to steal his shoe.
Revisiting the spot, he found Poppy had since gone on to have babies and grandchildren of her own.
“To see Poppy’s daughter and granddaughter thriving is thrilling,” Attenborough said. “It just shows what we can achieve when we put our minds to it.
“I do truly believe that together we can create a better future.”
He continued: ”I might not be here to see it. But if we make the right decision at this critical moment, we can save our planet’s ecosystem, its extraordinary biodiversity, and all its inhabitants.”
Attenborough’s rousing message sent a number of viewers over the edge, with many taking to Twitter to say they were “in tears” at the documentary.
Other viewers said they felt “angry” from seeing the documentary and the danger our planet was in.
Even Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s fiancée, Carrie Symonds, said she cried at the “difficult watch”.
“We can’t ignore it," she said.
"It’s time to act."
Extinction: The Facts is now available on BBC iPlayer
