As Sir David Attenborough approaches his 99th birthday, he unveils what he calls the most significant film of his career: Ocean. This new documentary, premiering on his birthday, is not just a celebration of a milestone but a heartfelt call to action. Attenborough, reflecting on nearly a century of life, declares that the most important place on Earth is not on land but beneath the waves. The film highlights the ocean as the planet’s life-support system and humanity’s greatest ally in the fight against climate change, underscoring the critical moment our oceans face today.

The premiere of Ocean at the Royal Festival Hall is a star-studded event, attended by celebrities and environmental advocates alike. Producer Toby Nowlan emphasizes that this film diverges from Attenborough’s previous works, focusing less on new animal behaviours and more on delivering the most urgent message of his career. The documentary tracks the evolution of the world’s oceans and our understanding of them through Attenborough’s lifetime, from his awe-struck first dive at the Great Barrier Reef in 1957 to witnessing the recovery of whale populations after the global ban on commercial whaling in 1986.

Attenborough’s message is both a warning and a beacon of hope. He details the destruction caused by human activities such as bottom trawling, which he likens to bulldozing underwater rainforests, but also showcases how marine protected areas can recover rapidly if given the chance. “We are at a crossroads,” he warns, urging world leaders and the public to act decisively to protect a third of the world’s oceans, a commitment that could be transformative for biodiversity and climate resilience.

Despite his age, Attenborough remains deeply engaged and optimistic. He believes that if the ocean is left undisturbed, it can not only recover but thrive beyond anything seen in living memory. Scientists agree that healthier oceans would absorb more carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change. As he marks his 99th year, Attenborough’s legacy is not just in documenting nature’s wonders but in inspiring urgent, collective action to restore and protect the blue heart of our planet.