David Attenborough warns of ‘crippling problems’ caused by climate change ahead of Cop26

David Attenborough warns of ‘crippling problems’ caused by climate change in his role at this year’s Cop26 summit

  • Sir David Attenborough, 95, has been named the People’s Advocate of this year’s Cop26 summit
  • In a video message, Attenborough said the coronavirus pandemic had shown how important collaboration between nations was to solving global problems
  • The UN’s Cop26 climate change conference will take place in Glasgow in November  

Sir David Attenborough has warned the world faces ‘crippling problems’ because of climate change after being given a role at this year’s Cop26 summit.

The broadcaster, 95, said it was ‘crucial’ that global leaders find a solution to worsening environmental problems. 

The UN’s Cop26 climate conference in Glasgow in November will bring together world leaders to try to agree a plan to tackle climate change.

Sir David has been named the summit’s People’s Advocate and will address political leaders at the event. 

In a video message, Sir David said: ‘The epidemic has shown us how crucial it is to find agreement among nations if we are to solve such worldwide problems. But the problems that await us within the next five, ten years are even greater.

Sir David Attenborough has warned the world faces ‘crippling problems’ because of climate change after being given a role at this year’s Cop26 summit

‘It is crucial that these meetings in Glasgow, Cop26, have success, and that at last the nations will come together to solve the crippling problems that the world faces.’

He will also speak at next month’s G7 leaders’ summit in Cornwall. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: ‘Sir David Attenborough has already inspired millions of people in the UK and around the world with his passion and knowledge to act on climate change and protect the planet for future generations.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured left with Attenborough in February 2020) said there was 'no better person to build momentum for further change' than Attenborough [File photo]

Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured left with Attenborough in February 2020) said there was ‘no better person to build momentum for further change’ than Attenborough [File photo]

‘There is no better person to build momentum for further change as we approach the Cop26 climate summit in November. I am hugely grateful to Sir David for agreeing to be our People’s Advocate.’

Cop26 president-designate Alok Sharma, the former business secretary, said: ‘Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity and the stakes could not be higher for our planet.

‘The next decade will be make, or break, for cutting global emissions sufficiently to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

‘That is why I am delighted to be working with Sir David, a hero for our country and our planet, to inspire action ahead of Cop26.’