In a week of constitutional outrage in the UK, when the ugliest elements of our country's public life has been on display, Gail and I are devoting this Nature Friday post to celebrating one man who long ago surpassed 'National Treasure' status, and continues in his 10th decade to provide an outstanding example of the very best of humanity.
Gosh, even a dog might aspire to be more like Sir David Attenborough!
Gail and I heard Sir David on the radio yesterday, talking about the magnificent new Polar Research vessel which is named after him. The RRS Sir David Attenborough was launched this week by the Prince William and Kate, with the great man himself also present. The ship is a world class scientific research facility, designed for work to further understanding of Arctic and Antarctic environments, thus helping protect those precious and vulnerable regions of our planet that Sir David has done so much to bring to our attention.
You can listen to Sir David, beginning at 6 mins 44 seconds on this podcast: RSS Sir David Attenborough. He talks more sense in a few minutes than we've heard from our so-called 'leading' politicians the whole year. (Gail and I apologise to any readers in parts of the world where this BBC podcast is not accessible - you are missing a treat.)
As climate change threatens our polar regions and beyond, oh how I, Bouncing Bertie Boffin, would love to join the crew of this research ship and contribute to knowledge of our natural world. But Gail tells me she suspects that dogs, especially ones known to be water averse, are unlikely to be welcome on board. Surely that is wrong! Maybe I should drop a private word to Mr Attenborough - I mean, how could so smart a man fail to recognise my impeccable scientific credentials...
Meanwhile, Happy Nature Friday to all my friends, and thank you so much for everything Sir David!
