Prince William and David Attenborough’s Powerful Ocean Plea: Why the World Must Act Now
On World Oceans Day 2025, a wave of urgency swept across the globe. It wasn’t just the crashing tides we heard — it was the unmistakable voices of two global icons, Prince William and Sir David Attenborough. Standing united, they delivered a stirring message about the dire state of our oceans and the critical need for immediate action.
Their call came with the release of “Ocean,” a documentary by Attenborough, supported by the Royal Family and global leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Prince Albert of Monaco. This event marked a pivotal moment in climate advocacy — not just for marine biologists or policymakers, but for every citizen of Earth.
Why the Ocean Matters More Than Ever
The ocean covers over 70% of our planet's surface, regulates the climate, and is home to more than 230,000 known species. But it's not just a source of life — it is life.
Prince William emphasized this reality in his keynote address at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco, urging global leaders to "think big in your actions."
“Let us act together with urgency and optimism while we still have the chance.” — Prince William
Sir David Attenborough went further:
“What we have done to the deep ocean floor is just unspeakably awful. If you did anything remotely like it on land, everybody would be up in arms.”
“Ocean” — The Documentary That’s Making Waves
Attenborough's latest work, “Ocean,” released on National Geographic and Disney+ on June 8, is being hailed as his most urgent documentary to date. It details the rapid decline of marine ecosystems due to overfishing, deep-sea mining, and climate change.
The film is more than a documentary — it’s a global alarm bell. Through stunning visuals and decades of marine research, Attenborough showcases both the beauty and fragility of our seas.
Watch “Ocean” here: Disney+ | National Geographic
The Hidden Damage Beneath the Waves
What makes the ocean crisis especially dangerous is its invisibility. Unlike forest fires or floods, the destruction of ocean floors often goes unnoticed. Attenborough explains that most of this damage lies beyond our view — in deep sea trenches, coral graveyards, and over-fished zones.
Despite international goals to protect 30% of oceans by 2030, less than 3% are currently protected.
Prince William’s Ocean Legacy and Earthshot Vision
This isn’t the Prince of Wales’s first dive into environmental activism. Inspired by Attenborough, he founded the Earthshot Prize, an ambitious £50 million initiative to reward innovation that restores nature.
One of its five categories? “Revive Our Oceans.” Yet surprisingly, only 9% of submissions have focused on marine solutions — a statistic the Prince is determined to change.
“We are almost out of time. The next 50 years will be incredibly exciting if we act now.” — Prince William
The Global Stage and Who’s Listening
This isn't just a royal PR campaign. The United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice is scheduled for later this month. It's a critical forum where commitments like the 30x30 pledge — to protect 30% of the world’s oceans — may either solidify or fizzle out.
Countries like Costa Rica, France, and Monaco have joined the UK in sounding the alarm. But without binding policies and funding, these goals risk becoming symbolic gestures.
Explore how the UN is driving action: UN Ocean Conference 2025
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| It was Sir David who inspired Prince William to launch the Earthshot Prize Credit: Andrew Parsons/Kensington Palace |
From Scuba to Science — A Legacy of Ocean Discovery
Sir David reminisced with Prince William about his early dives in the 1950s — including a near-death experience when his helmet filled with water. Back then, the ocean was largely a mystery. Today, it’s a battleground of survival.
But the possibilities remain endless. Attenborough highlighted the thrilling opportunity that still exists:
“We’re in a situation now where it is possible to go into places where nothing like you has ever been before.”
What Can Be Done Now — And What You Can Do
The ocean’s survival doesn’t hinge on global leaders alone. Everyday citizens have a role. Here’s how you can help:
- Avoid single-use plastics: These often end up in the sea.
- Support ocean-positive businesses like 4ocean and SeaTrees.
- Join local beach cleanups or donate to groups like Surfrider Foundation.
Despite the grim data, the message is one of hope. The ocean has an incredible capacity to regenerate — but only if we let it.
From policy changes to the rising tide of youth-led climate action, the future isn’t lost — it’s waiting.
“It’s a really optimistic, exciting moment for the next generation… to be bigger explorers.” — Prince William
Conclusion: The Time Is Now
Prince William and Sir David Attenborough have sounded the alarm with clarity and conviction. Their message isn't one of despair — it's a rallying cry. As Attenborough nears 100, and William embraces a leadership role for the environment, we stand at a crossroad.
Will we ignore the signs until the tide turns against us? Or will we, together, rise to the challenge and protect the greatest treasure we have — our oceans?