Growing up, one of the TV viewing highlights of the week was David Attenborough’s Life On Earth series. I don’t think there’s anyone in the world who creates such brilliant nature documentaries; particularly these days when so many others replace information and skillful camera work with repetition and computer effects – basically sensationalizing nature when it really doesn’t need to be.

For example, supposedly a cameraman spent hundreds of hours in the original series waiting for when a rare frog, which incubates its young in its mouth, finally spat them out. Sounds like David Attenborough might be a tough boss then – but something that continually shines through is his awe for our planet. I’m told his newer series, Planet Earth is just as good.

Never one to sit still, Sir David is now the Patron of the UK’s Optimum Population Trust, a think tank concerned with the impact of population growth on the environment.

David has described the growth in human numbers as “frightening” and urged environmental organisations to spell out “loud and clear” the problems caused by population growth.

As mentioned in my article a while back on population control; it’s a really touchy subject and one that many green groups try to skirt around if possible.

The money quote from David which sums up the issue in relation to our environment nicely:

“I’ve never seen a problem that wouldn’t be easier to solve with fewer people, or harder, and ultimately impossible, with more.”

It’s great to see him involved in raising awareness of overpopulation issues and here’s hoping the taboos that seem to enshroud the problem are torn away!