People's seat

This year, one of the seats will be occupied, not by any politician or civil servant, but by “The People”.

But of course, fitting over seven billion people onto a single chair is not without its difficulties. Luckily for us, the UN has identified the perfect man to speak on our behalf. At the opening session of COP24, the soft, soporific tones of Sir David Attenborough will treat the conference’s attendees to a warm fireside (or some electrical, environmentally sustainable alternative) rendition of the concerns of “real people”.

Now, it may be a failing on my part, but I have to confess an almost intuitive distrust of anyone (whether an individual or a group) who claims to speak for the people. To make that claim is to assume a homogeneity and consensus of thought which is as dangerous as it is boring. That distrust grows greater still when that assumption is mixed with the as-yet-undimmed influence of celebrity. Make no mistake about it, while he might not be a likely candidate in the Celebrity Big Brother house, or selling his holiday beach pictures to OK! magazine, Sir David is very much part of that culture which favours mass appeal over expertise, style over substance, and feelings over knowledge.
 

The independent

Attenborough prevé que los efectos de la masificación humana y la contaminación serán visibles en 50 años y que, mientras no se tenga una línea de actuación coordinada por todos los países, la situación en el planeta "no hará otra cosa que empeorar".

La creencia de que será el propio ser humano quien destruya el planeta es un argumento habitual que este naturalista, reconocido defensor del medio ambiente, ha expresado en diversas ocasiones en sus documentales. En sus más de 60 años en activo, ha realizado diversas series centradas en la vida de la Tierra que le han valido multitud de premios fuera y dentro de Reino Unido por su calidad, una forma de trabajar que, según Attenborough, está en peligro de extinción.

El país

David Attenborough deja la BBC para fichar por Netflix a los 92 años: primer vistazo a 'Nuestro planeta' Echando la vista atrás, es fácil encontrarse a uno mismo pensando en qué jóvenes talentos tendrían las puertas de Netflix abiertas para revolucionar la televisión. Pues ahora resulta que ni tanto ni tan calvo. Tras hacerse con los servicios de Martin Scorsese, que estrenará su nuevo trabajo en la plataforma, el último fichaje es el de Sir David Attenborough al frente de su nueva serie documental: 'Nuestro planeta'.

Espinof

It's easy to dismiss efforts like these as little more than tokenistic, especially in the face of denialism by many world leaders. There's only so much shouting into the Twittersphere one can do, after all.

But meetings such as these are where action happens. The 1989 Montreal Protocol is a success story worth keeping in mind, with ongoing reports estimating that the ozone layer's Antarctic bald spot is filling in nicely.

Besides, the costs of inaction are already making life hell for so many. Climate change is no longer just about our children's future. It's our own voices that need to be heard.

Attenborough's address is just the start of a UN effort to reach out through social media and connect with the public on climate change, with an 'ActNow' Facebook messenger bot posed to offer suggestions on how everyday folks like you and I can make a difference.

For some people, these kinds of small, personal efforts are where the revolution starts. Turning off lights, cycling to work, and eating less meat are the changes many people want to see in the world.

But really, the average citizen shouldn't have to shoulder the guilt of a warming world.

The kinds of complex actions that matter will require big decisions. Incur big costs. Demand big investments. The kinds that can only be made by big leaders, who run governments and industries.

Sciencealert