The Scotsman

Attenborou­gh welcomes Biden’s pledge on Paris climate accord

- By KEIRAN SOUTHERN

Sir David Attenborou­gh has welcomed Joe Biden's victory in the US presidenti­al election and stressed America's importance in the fight against climate change.

Mr Bid en has pledged to rejoin the Paris climate accord on the first day of his presidency, after Donald Trump controvers­ially pulled Washington out of it.

The internatio­nal agreement aims to curb global warming.

Sir David, a passionate environmen­tal campaigner, said "of course" Mr Biden's November election victory was good for the world, adding: "How could I deny that?"

Speaking to the Radio Times, the naturalist, 94, discussed the US returning to the climate change table.

He said :" It' s of the greatest possible importance. The major power in the world and the major economic power in the world?

"Of course, it's absolutely crucial that it is party to all these things and if we are to find a solution with internatio­nal agreements the presence of America is beyond measure."

Sir David, who recently worked on Netflix documentar­y A Life On Our Planet, is an intrepid traveller and has made films from around the world.

However, his flying days may be over. Asked if he will ever travel overseas again to film, he said: "No, not a lot".

Sir David added: "It's probably a fact of age, but I was finding my heart was sinking deeper and deeper into my boots ever y time I walked up into an aircraft and looked down that long line and thought, 'I'm going to be here for another 24 hours’.”

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