As global populations continue to rise, it’s critical to assess the impact this growth is having on our planet. Sir David Attenborough, a renowned naturalist, takes on this challenge in the Horizon special, “How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth?”
With over five decades of experience observing the rapid expansion of the human population, Sir David reflects on the significant effects of this growth on both humans and the environment. He acknowledges the fact that much of the projected population growth is expected to occur in developing countries, but he also highlights the critical role that developed nations, such as the UK, plays in impacting the planet’s resources.
Sir David delves into the notion that individuals have a duty to not only have smaller families but to also change their lifestyles to reduce their impact on the planet. He emphasizes that, as consumers in the West, we consume more than our fair share of Earth’s resources and that our actions have far-reaching consequences.
This film is a call to action for individuals and society as a whole. It forces us to consider our impact on the planet and to assess what changes we can make to ensure the sustainability of our planet and its resources for future generations.