A Life on Our Planet

My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future

By: Sir David Attenborough, Jonnie Hughes

Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough

Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

In this scientifically informed account of the changes occurring in the world over the last century, award-winning broadcaster and natural historian Sir David Attenborough shares a lifetime of wisdom and a hopeful vision for the future.

See the world. Then make it better.

I am 93. 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 is my witness statement and my vision for the future. It is 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 one final chance to create the perfect home for ourselves and restore the wonderful world we inherited.

All we need is the will to do so.

©2020 Sir David Attenborough and Jonnie Hughes (P)2020 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

"The eminent traveler and naturalist delivers a combination of memoir and manifesto, the first leisurely, the second earnest....Recognizing that we are at a tipping point, Attenborough is refreshingly optimistic, noting that one thing humans do well is solve problems. Anyone concerned with the planet's ecological future will want to spend time with this excellent book."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

A must read for all

A painful picture painted clearly so everyone can follow and understand. This book should be used by schools for teaching.

Wonderful book! Essential listening.

David Attenborough at his best. A clear exposition as to where humankind came from and how we got the world into its present dire straits. But he doesn't stop there. He offers potential solutions to our problems and gives examples of where they have been tried and proven to work. A wake up call, yes, but one that finishes with a message of hope. His narration is, as always, faultless. He does not lecture but has a wholly conversational tone. Superb!

Most important book on audible

No offense to audible and it’s wonderful selection of books, but the topics contained in Mr. Attenborough’s cautionary tale are more important than anything else on audible.
If you have children especially grandchildren and or care about the future at all, Then this is a must read. Seriously a book you must read or listen to

A must read

The most clear concise and moving statements from how we arrived here and what we CAN and must do. Recommend also watch entire video…all the way to the end

eye opening

everybody should read this now, before its to late. critical, hopeful, exceptional word word

Best book on global warming for the masses.

I have read or listened to a number of books/lectures on global warming. I got started back in the early 80’s as a structural engineer studying extreme weather conditions for design of large electric power systems. Also as an amateur historian, I learned the effects of climate change on human civilization over thousands of years.
This book presents the issues and possible solutions in such a way that it should appeal to almost any reader. The book has a down to earth approach that leaves the reader with the feeling that they can be part of the solution. It should required reading for everyone. It is quite obvious that Attenborough’s years with the BBC has served him well in his approach to reach a wide audience.

Must Listen Now

Sir Attenborough, has lived, witnessed and recorded some of the most significant changes to this planet, in his lifetime. To the nonbelievers you may be able to confirm his facts for yourself quite easily.

Great Summation of State and Direction of Planet

Fantastic book that ought to required reading for every student in the world. So very informative!!!

Essential reading/listening

Essential reading/listening to anyone living on this planet today. A well written journey to life on this planet and the future we are facing.

If you need any more convincing…

David Attenborough has devoted his professional life to discovering our natural world and sharing what he finds with others. Attenborough reviews his life’s work decade by decade with fascinating details against the backdrop of earth’s environmental degradation. He then takes it into the future to present a picture of what our world will like. Finally he takes us through some existing and possible future solutions. It’s inspiring to hear about his life and his vision. It’s a balancing act between two perspectives: the dire situation we face today and likely tomorrow; vs optimism for the potential solutions and man's ability to solve hard problems.