Sir David Attenborough joins Instagram to spread climate change warning

The veteran broadcaster signed up to the social media platform to warn his followers about global warming  
Kimberley Bond24 September 2020

Sir David Attenborough has joined Instagram, with his debut post telling those on the platform that “the world is in trouble”.

The 94-year-old decided to join social media ahead of the release of his latest book and Netflix documentary, both titled A Life On Our Planet.

In a video, Attenborough explains: “I am making this move... because, as we all know, the world is in trouble.

“Continents are on fire. Glaciers are melting. Coral reefs are dying... The list goes on and on.

Attenborough posted a video to Instagram
Conor McDonnell/WWF-UK/PA Media

“Saving our planet is now a communications challenge.”

He continued he was now going to use Instagram to explain “what the problems are and how we can deal with them.”

“Join me - or as we used to say in those early days of radio, stay tuned,” he concluded.

Sir David Attenborough - In pictures

Investitures at Windsor Castle
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The account, which has nearly reached one million followers in less than 24 hours, will be ran by Attenborough’s frequent collaborators Jonnie Hughes and Colin Butfield. The pair explained that Instagram “isn’t David’s usual habitat.”

They also detailed how the account will have messages from Attenborough which have been solely recorded for the platform, as well as behind the scenes footage from the upcoming Netflix series.

The natural historian spoke starkly earlier this month about global warming
BBC/Sam Barker

Attenborough’s foray into Instagram comes after he delivered some stark home truths in his BBC documentary, Extinction: The Facts.

After revisiting a site of mountain gorillas which had previously been considered endangered, the veteran natural historian urged people to work together to preserve the environment.

“It just shows what we can achieve when we put our minds to it,” he said.

“I do truly believe that together we can create a better future.

“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.”