Saving Planet Earth

[Nicola Main]

I am sure many of you have got your copy of July's issue of BBC Wildlife Magazine. I have been reading the special on Saving Planet Earth and it has nearly reduced me to tears. Sir David Attenborough is introducing this series this Sunday on BBC1 at 7pm, please make sure you watch it!

Did you know that if nothing is done to help the Orangutan then it could be functionally extinct in 5 years time? That Siamese Crocodiles are heavily poached just because their skin is perfect for making handbags? Or that there are only 500 Ethiopian Wolves in the wild?

Please visit their website for more information www.bbc.co.uk/saving...

This has really opened my eyes and shown just how critical these species (and hundreds of others) are to becoming extinct and lost forever.

[demicav]

I've got a copy of the magazine. It's a sad world we're living in and it doesn't at all surprise me. I'll probably watch the series but sometimes they make me feel angry and useless. I believe that one day humans will be responsible for the worlds demise. Ok, I'm begining to sound really pessimistic now, I could be completely wrong, miracles could happen.

Thankfully there are a lot of decent people around to care and try to make a difference.

[StuartDH]

I thought it was great first episode of what should be another fantastic series

Stunning photography, staggering facts and figures, and plenty to think about

[Mr Mag00]

The BBC do it again!!

[Billy Wobble Dagger]

Originally Posted by StuartDH

I thought it was great first episode of what should be another fantastic series

Stunning photography, staggering facts and figures, and plenty to think about

I totally agree, well done the BBC on another excellent series. Indeed plenty to think about. Let’s hope it's not too late for some of the magnificent animals featured.

BWD

[eeyore]

i actually disagree - In my view there is a big double standard in a series entitled "saving planet earth" to send celebrities to far flung places by (presumably) jet aircraft - I wonder what the carbon footprint of that little lot was

surely there is somebody in gabon capable of making a film about gorillas , without sending will young on a jolly out there - ditto sending fiona bruce to india to look at tigers - whats wrong with using film from valmik shapar (hope i spelt that right) etc etc

*puts tin hat on and retreats to fallout bunker*

[Kymba]

I really enjoyed the first episode and can't wait until tomorrow night for the next one. David Attenborough's passion and love for wildlife and the whole planet comes jumping out of the TV that you are immediately enthrolled and captivated by him.
hes one person you just want to live forever

[Billy Wobble Dagger]

Originally Posted by eeyore

i actually disagree - In my view there is a big double standard in a series entitled "saving planet earth" to send celebrities to far flung places by (presumably) jet aircraft - I wonder what the carbon footprint of that little lot was

surely there is somebody in gabon capable of making a film about gorillas , without sending will young on a jolly out there - ditto sending fiona bruce to india to look at tigers - whats wrong with using film from valmik shapar (hope i spelt that right) etc etc

*puts tin hat on and retreats to fallout bunker*

I agree in principle with what you say. However, if the celebrities encourage a few more people to watch then surly that is a plus. Unfortunately we live amongst a celebrity culture, the question should be were the celebrities forced into working on the programme and were they paid. For Will Young fans, if there are any, this might be the first brush with the fate of planet earth, and as they will be the future then let’s hope they take note and continue the work done by minority at the moment to save our planet.

BWD

[MalcolmX]

i think that all these programs depend on the "fear factor " generated by climate change (the most popular unproven idea since the 1970 ice age theory)i am all for rescuing endangered species but in my view touchy feely programes like this are not going to solve the problem.re education of the natives and laws in the country will do that , so may be we should take over these places and save the animals

[StuartDH]

Working across all sectors and talking to people from every type of business, schools, government organisations etc, I think these documentaries definitely work to get people talking and moving toward protecting the environment. Man-made climate change or not, this documentary should do a lot to highlight our impact on wildlife.

Using celebrities is definitely a good move as some will definitely only watch to see Will Young etc, although I don't think that's the case for some of the other celebs

As for the carbon footprint ot the celeb travel,it's relatively insignificant for the size of the problem and the effect that the documentaries may have in reducing CO2. A bit like saying that Geldof shouldn't be allowed to eat breakfast when making a documentary about Ethiopia

A few years ago most people hadn't heard of Climate Change, last year most people hadn't heard of a Carbon Footprint. Looks to me as though the message is definitely getting out there. Every day I speak to people and big businesses who are suddenly starting to take steps to reduce their impact on the environment.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by StuartDH

Using celebrities is definitely a good move as some will definitely only watch to see Will Young etc, although I don't think that's the case for some of the other celebs

As for the carbon footprint ot the celeb travel,it's relatively insignificant for the size of the problem and the effect that the documentaries may have in reducing CO2.

thats one way of looking at it , but another is that the sort of person who only watches to see will young , fiona bruce or whatever other c list celeb they've scraped up might also take from it the message that its okay to fly to these places "cos will young does, innit" so although the carbon footprint of will youngs actual travel might be relatively small the indirect effect could actually be counter productive in terms of reducing carbon.

also on a purely personal level i would rather see a presenter who knows what they are talking about rather than a gurning Z list halfwit

[Kymba]

I am split on this...
Yes using a celeb will make people who may not normally watch a programme like this tune in, and hopefully become interested enough to get involved in someway, no matter how small..
But I also think it would be better to let a Normal person have the Oppertunity to have the Chance and experience of going to these places and seeing these animals.
After all if these celebs really care they can afford to use their own money to go to these places anytime and do their own Film if they want.

Also as i listened to them appealing for donations saying how little it costs to fund these thing, I wondered How much if anything do they donate from their own pocket ( always the Synic )