We are frequently asked why we adopted the phrase, “ReWrite Our Story,” as the name of our flagship environmental and humanitarian program.
Sir David Attenborough is best-known to US audiences as the inspirational presenter of BBC series like Wildlife on One, Planet Earth, and The Blue Planet. Regarding his broadcasting and passion for nature, NPR observed that he “roamed the globe and shared his discoveries and enthusiasms with his patented semi-whisper way of narrating.”
As a matter of fact, in his 95 years, David Attenborough has visited every continent, exploring the wild places of the planet and documenting the living world in all its variety and wonder.
During a lifetime dedicated to learning about all forms of life on earth, he has also seen first-hand the monumental scale of humanity’s impact on nature and the planet. As a result, it is hard to find anyone better qualified to comment with such authority and insight on the pace of environmental decline and the threat it poses to current and future generations.
The video segment gives a 2-minute snapshot of his impassioned plea to heads of state and global delegates, delivered at the opening session of the COP 26 Conference in Glasgow, November 2021. On this occasion he abandoned his trademark whisper, but his language is as eloquent and powerful as ever. It’s also clear from this select gatherings’ response that nothing is more compelling than his complete authenticity, rooted in his lifetime of profound, personal experience.
Once you’ve watched the video, you will be privy to the speech that inspired the naming of our charitable program whose “soul” mission is to provide practical and affordable ways for everyday people and families to impact our urgent environmental and humanitarian challenges.
“In my lifetime I’ve witnessed a terrible decline. In yours, you could and should witness a wonderful recovery.” At Purpose on the Planet, we share Sir David’s Attenborough’s belief that, during our lifetime, we can ReWrite Our Story.