One hundred years of Sir David Attenborough

About this episode

The episode celebrates Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday while exploring themes of ageing, marine ecology, and climate change.

Sir David Attenborough is arguably the world’s favourite broadcaster, and this week he’s blowing out the candles on his 100th birthday cake. Inspired by his significant birthday, we decided to uncover the biology behind centenarians. What are Sir David’s secrets? Speaking of ageing, we then find out about a little jellyfish that never gets old. Could it help us unlock immortality? Next up, climb aboard as we chat with Dr Nadine Johnston, a marine ecologist who works on the iconic Sir David Attenborough research vessel, as she tells us about the tiny Antarctic animals that could lock up more carbon than the Amazon rainforest. We then find out about improved landslide prediction in Nepal and how the world has changed in Sir David’s life. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Chhavi Sachdev and Tristan Ahtone Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Ella Hubber and Robbie Wojciechowski

People in this episode

Hosts: Marnie Chesterton, Chhavi Sachdev, Tristan Ahtone

Guest: Dr Nadine Johnston

Topics covered

• centenarians
• immortality
• marine ecology
• climate change
• ageing
• biodiversity

Keywords

• Sir David Attenborough
• centenarians
• jellyfish
• marine ecology
• climate change
• Nepal
• biodiversity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC World Service

Places: Antarctic, Nepal

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