David Attenborough: The Radical Activist Behind the National Treasure Image

The excesses of capitalism must be curbed, and ordinary people worldwide are realizing that greed does not bring happiness. The economic system, built on the profit principle, demands ever-increasing profits, which works in the short term but leads to disaster.

The author confesses that these sentiments were borrowed from a more radical thinker. The question is which left-wing firebrand spoke them. In today’s climate, such views might be marginalized.

It was David Attenborough, the beloved 100-year-old naturalist, who advocated for significant financial redistribution in a 2020 BBC interview, arguing that those with much should have a little less and those with little should have more.

Attenborough has long expressed his views: he voted Remain, criticized Michael Gove, praised youth political engagement, and in 2016 advocated partly in jest for the assassination of Donald Trump. He warned about mass consumption and extractive capitalism before Blue Planet II. He has warned about climate change for two decades. The question is whether anyone is still listening.

Viewers of his centenary tribute on BBC One saw a contrast between the radical and the cuddly figure. Celebrities offered praise, and a letter from King Charles arrived via CGI animals. Attenborough’s activism and views were hidden; the climate crisis was not mentioned.

This depoliticized Attenborough is comfortable for public discourse. He teaches about nature and asks nothing in return. Questions arise over whether his inoffensive appeal has hindered meaningful change, allowing the powerful to feign concern without making sacrifices.

The author gives Attenborough the benefit of the doubt. Attenborough is a journalist, not a scientist, who meets audiences where they are. His programs focus on nature’s beauty, presenting conservation as conscience. He said in 2008 that people will not make sacrifices unless they understand the natural world they are disconnected from.

Attenborough described himself as a standard, boring leftwing liberal and understands spectacle over polemic. Despite attempts by the anti-net-zero right to make him a hate figure, including a comment by Reform UK MP Danny Kruger calling him anti-human, Attenborough remains trusted and credible.

The public gets a sanitized Attenborough, stripped of his activism. He is followed by applause, which spares the public from hearing his actual views.

Jonathan Liew is a columnist for The Guardian.