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Naturalist Sir David Attenborough giving evidence to the House of Commons business, energy and industrial strategy committee today. House of Commons/PA Wire/PA Images

'We cannot be radical enough': David Attenborough calls for drastic climate change action

Naturalist David Attenborough appeared today before British MPs to discuss climate change.

SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH has told British MPs that no action is too radical when it comes to addressing climate change during an appearance at a UK parliamentary committee. 

The naturalist and TV presenter told the business, energy and industrial strategy committee at Westminster: “We cannot be radical enough in dealing with this issue. The question is what is practically possible.” 

“How can we take the electorate with us in dealing with these things? Because it costs money, in realistic terms. Dealing with these problems means we’ve got to change our lifestyle. Dealing with the problem is going to cost, internationally, it’s going to cost money,” he said. 

Attenborough has been an ardent campaigner in recent years against the overuse of plastic and the dangers of climate change. Blue Planet II, which aired on the BBC in 2017, ended with Attenborough calling on viewers to take action against global threats such as climate change and plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. 

Attenborough compared the shift in the public’s perceptions of climate change to changing public attitudes to slavery. 

“In the space of 20 or 30 years, the public perception of that totally transformed. By the middle of the 19th century, it was becoming intolerable. There was a huge change in public perception and public perception of moralities. I suspect that we are right now at the beginning of a big change. Young people, in particular, are the stimulus that is bringing that about,” he told the committee. 

Attenborough repeatedly praised the awareness and concern young people have shown on climate change. 

Around the world, teenagers in recent months have marched and campaigned as part of a global movement initiated by 16-year-old schoolgirl Greta Thunberg, while at the last European Parliament elections many pointed to an increase in support for green parties – the “green wave” – as part of wider appetite for more action against climate change.

“I’m okay and all of us here are all okay because we won’t face the problems. But the problems in 20, 30 years are really major problems that are going to cause great social unrest and great changes in the way that we live,” Attenborough said. 

“Young people see that very clearly now and that gives me great hope,” he added. 

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    Mute Jim Buckley Barrett
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    Mar 22nd 2019, 8:17 PM

    Cowards hiding behind fake names and their keyboard

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    Mute Andrew Nolan
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    Mar 22nd 2019, 8:21 PM

    @Jim Buckley Barrett: You just described most of the comments section.

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    Mute thesaltyurchin
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    Mar 23rd 2019, 10:37 AM

    @Jim Buckley Barrett: oh ye champions of bravery.

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    Mute Seriously stunned
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    Mar 22nd 2019, 8:48 PM

    Clowns with nothing better to do. Glory glory Munster.

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    Mute Jason McCutcheon
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    Mar 22nd 2019, 11:32 PM

    For Gods sake these players work hard to get into shape for the pitch at weekends. They give massive enjoyment to so many and this things happens! Some strange people out there!!

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    Mute John Carey
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    Mar 22nd 2019, 8:25 PM

    Anyone know the players involved ?

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    Mute Ted Logan
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    Mar 22nd 2019, 9:29 PM

    @John Carey: yes

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    Mute Terry Hobdell
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    Mar 22nd 2019, 9:33 PM

    @Conor Heneghan: you know this?

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    Mute Niallers
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    Mar 23rd 2019, 10:38 AM

    @John Carey: yes

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    Mute Chris Mc
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    Mar 23rd 2019, 1:11 PM

    @John Carey: by mentioning names all you do is help promote this nasty pieces of dog poo.

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    Mute Martin Quinn
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    Mar 23rd 2019, 11:12 PM

    @Chris Mc:

    Spot on Chris

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    Mute Trevor Beacom
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    Mar 23rd 2019, 1:11 AM

    And still it wouldnt make me buy the leader.

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    Mute James Reidy
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    Mar 22nd 2019, 9:33 PM

    Now some people will cop.on to what Tayla Harris AFL has gone through.☘

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    Mute De Zach Same
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    Mar 23rd 2019, 3:06 PM

    From what I gather there were fake player profiles created on social media and the content of their posts made for grim viewing. The conversations were of a sexist/misogynistic nature.
    Well at least I hope they were fake player profiles. They’d have to be complete morons after what happened up north a couple of years ago.

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