5 David Attenborough Documentaries To Change The World

It’s not often that a television show sparks social change, let alone coins a phrase due to the strength of its influence. ‘The Blue Planet Effect’ is therefore testament to the enduring power of this documentary series.

If Blue Planet I introduced us to the beauty of the ocean, then Blue Planet II introduced us to the destruction we are inflicting on it and most pertinently, the destructive force of plastic. Here we learned, through harrowing imagery and frank Attenborough vocals, that large form plastic has the ability to kill even our largest animals. From whales washing up with stomachs full of our packaging to hermit crabs living in coke cans and turtles choking on plastic bags, none of these images will be forgotten quickly.

However, perhaps the most potent shock came with news of micro and nano-plastics which have the capacity to absorb toxins and pass into our cells. This invasive nature is enough to bring anyone pause and thanks to the influence of this series, worldwide efforts to reduce plastic waste have ensued since. In fact, many governments are now considering wholesale bans on single use plastics. That’s the Blue Planet Effect.