Sir David Attenborough, the world’s leading scientist, called on leaders today to pay attention to science as he celebrated his birth of the polar research ship named after him.
The naturalist, 95, posed with the crew on the deck of the RSS Sir David Attenborough, formerly known as Boaty McBoatFace, in Greenwich on Thursday.
The RSS Sir David Attenborough, which is currently moored at London, is preparing for its first Antarctic mission later in the year.
The broadcaster referred to the speed with which world leaders acted upon evidence from British scientists in 1980s regarding the damage to ozone layer. He agreed on the Montreal Protocol to phaseout CFCs only two years later.
He stated that ‘We all know how dire the future holds for us.
“Wouldn it not be wonderful to suppose that as the result of our discoveries, science’s discoveries, all nations joined together and actually did something at this coming Cop?”
Sir David Attenborough (95) posed with the crew of the RSS Sir David Attenborough in Greenwich, on Thursday. Pictured with Boaty McBoatface, a submersible named for a larger ship that was named after the result of an online poll in 2016.
Sir David (pictured), in a speech, urged world leaders to listen to the science when they meet for the Cop26 climate talks.
He stated that he hoped that the conference, which will take place in Glasgow starting October 31, would lead to action. He wants nations to meet and discuss the science to prevent climate change.
Sir David said that he was proud to be associated with the vessel.
Three-day public celebrations will be held on board and at the National Maritime Museum. There are 15 interactive exhibitions that were created following successful sea trials in the UK.
Secretary of State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said: ‘With COP26 only days away, it’s incredible to see the new RRS Sir David Attenborough and hear about the world-leading and ground-breaking research it will complete in the Antarctic and Artic regions.’
Sir Patrick Vallance, Government Chief Scientist Adviser, stated that science is necessary to treat the planet.
The RSS Sir David Attenborough, a satellite of the RSS, is currently moored at London in preparation for its first Antarctic mission later in the year. Pictured: A member of the crew walks aboard
The ship was named after the well-known broadcaster and naturalist. It has successfully completed successful UK-based sea missions
Passersby stopped to admire the ship as it docked at Greenwich in preparation for its trip to Antartica later in the year.
The broadcaster (pictured) emphasized how quickly world leaders acted upon evidence from British scientists in 1980s regarding the damage to ozone layer. They then agreed on the Montreal Protocol to phaseout CFCs only two years later.
He said, “Through research, it is possible to accelerate the technological, economic, and social change required to reach net zero. This wonderful ship and its scientists will play an important role in furthering our understanding about the effects of climate changes.”
Professor Duncan Wingham is Executive Chair of NERC. He stated that the visit of the RRS David Attenborough to London prior to her maiden Antarctica voyage, underlines our commitment and gives us an opportunity to increase the impact and role of outstanding research and innovative facilities for tackling complex climate problems.
British Antarctic Survey director Professor Jane Francis said that the ship would transport scientists to the heart of the polar oceans. Experts will then attempt to determine how humans have affected the polar oceans, ice and seas.
Sir Patrick Vallance (pictured), Government Chief Science Adviser, said that science was necessary in order to treat the planet.
The new polar ship RRS sir David Attenborough, Britain’s newest, will visit Greenwich between October 28-30
A safety ring with the name of the ship, RSS Si David Attenborough, written on is a safety ring
The RSS Sir David Attenborough crew poses with a device called Boaty McBoatface
Workers inside the ship during docking in London’s Greenwich, ahead of a three-day stay.
Professor Dame Ottoline Lieser, chief executive of UK Research and Innovation, stated that the RRS Sir David Attenborough was one of the most advanced polar research vessels on the planet and will revolutionize how ship-borne science in the polar regions.
“It will provide scientists the state-of the-art facilities to conduct crucial research into the effects of global changes on oceans, marine biodiversity, and climate. It will ensure that the UK is at the forefront in polar science.”
Paddy Rodgers is the Director of Royal Museum’s Greenwich. He said that ‘Countless voyages to explore started here in Greenwich. This is the home of time, navigation, and the RRS Sid David Attenborough will launch two more of these voyages this weekend.
“The ship will play an essential role in increasing our understanding of climate change and the Polar Regions.”