A Life on Our Planet

My Witness Statement and Vision for the Future

By: David Attenborough

Narrated by: David Attenborough

Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

See the world. Then make it better.

I am 94. I've had an extraordinary life. It's only now that I appreciate how extraordinary. 

As a young man, I felt I was out there in the wild, experiencing the untouched natural world - but it was an illusion. The tragedy of our time has been happening all around us, barely noticeable from day to day - the loss of our planet's wild places, its biodiversity. 

I have been witness to this decline. A Life on Our Planet contains my witness statement and my vision for the future - the story of how we came to make this, our greatest mistake, and how, if we act now, we can yet put it right.

We have the opportunity to create the perfect home for ourselves and restore the wonderful world we inherited.

All we need is the will to do so.

©2020 David Attenborough (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"Read this book to learn, but also to honour the man. We shall never see his like again." (Sunday Times)

Masterpiece

Sir David presents an eloquent and well-researched narrative of the status quo of our beloved planet. He gives a balanced view of the risks we face and the solutions that are available and that are still needed for humanity and nature to live in harmony. The book is much more detailed than the movie. It is a must read. I also loved that he narrated the book himself, with his familiar and soothing British accent.

Doesn't get much better than this.

I hope every person on Earth will listen to this book (and then go plant some trees)

The most important book of our time.

I would say, without any doubt, the most important read /watch / listen of our time. David Attenborough's 'witness statement' is stark, however, his vision and solution is quite simple. Imagine a world that has enough food for everyone, no fumes and emissions, clean air and water, less noise, vast woodlands and forests and oceans teaming with life, a global community that actually communicates and works together to exchange ideas and advance our technologies and economies, that helps developing countries reach their economic goals through sustainable food, energy and technology production. A world without poverty and prejudice! We can see for ourselves that what we have done so far, does not work and is not the way to progress!

I personally think this book should be given to every student in every school across the globe🌱

This is our choice.

Incredible book by an incredible man

Such a powerful book with an amazing eye opening message. Brilliantly read by Sir David, highly recommend.

An absolute must-read/listen!

A book with the most important message that I hope everyone chooses to read and take in. Even better as an audiobook with David Attenborough’s voice. Harrowing and inspiring at the same time. Brilliant.

Everyone Must Read This

This book will both terrify you, and show you a glimmer of hope for the future of our children, who will inherit the results of our wastefulness and greed. I kept battling a lump in my throat throughout. What we are doing to our planet is heartbreaking. This book should be taught in schools, colleges and implemented into the laws of every country. I hope we will wake up before it’s too late.

A great life

If this is his swan song, then what a great way to do it. His life is amazing, his contribution has been amazing and I’m there, fully behind the thoughts on how we can all do our part to save the planet and ourselves.

superb

loved hearing him speak ,should be made part of school curriculum get into minds of children early!!

An honest and thought provoking book

An excellent book which is very honest and factual. This is not the work of someone with an agenda but a trustworthy, very experienced man who has seen many changes in the natural world through out his life. David Attenborough is genuinely fearful for the future of planet earth and clearly explains this, and how we as a species can reverse the destruction of ourselves as well as the planet we inhabit.

An Essential Book

Very well articulated overview of the destruction of our natural world in the authors lifetime. The combination of compelling data, first hand accounts of how key ecosystems have declined over the past 60 years and David Attenborough’s unparalleled narration make this book essential. There is also reason for hope and the author provides a playbook for how we can emerge from this mess through new behaviours, technologies and policies. It is a privilege to have a man who has dedicated his life to the natural world and seen it decline over generations still with us to impart an important message. Let’s hope we heed it.

On my MUST Listen list!

This was book is one that I’ll be recommending to all I know. Great work David and the entire team that helped deliver this timely message to us all!