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Powys County Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
King stunned by David Attenborough's age as pair attend ocean film premiere
The King said he 'can't believe' Sir David Attenborough's age as the pair attended a film premiere highlighting the important environmental role of oceans. Charles was among the guests to walk the 'blue carpet' and see a first screening of Ocean With David Attenborough at the Southbank Centre in London on Tuesday. The movie, narrated by Sir David, shows why ocean recovery is vital for stabilising the climate and securing a healthier future for the population. Charles, who is patron of the Marine Biological Association, has advocated for protecting the environment and sustainability, including in the oceans, for more than five decades. Meeting Sir David and his daughter Susan ahead of the premiere, Charles said he was 'so glad' the broadcaster was involved with the film and that it was 'always a pleasure' to see him. The King asked the veteran broadcaster about his 99th birthday, which Sir David confirmed was on Thursday, the day of the film's release. Charles remarked in response: 'I can't believe it.' The pair remained in lively discussion as they posed for photos, before both were greeted with warm applause by the 2,200 fellow attendees as they entered the auditorium for the screening. Charles, wearing a black suit and bow tie, had earlier arrived on the blue carpet and met with several high-profile guests that included actor Theo James – with the pair sharing a light chuckle. The film includes dramatic footage of the devastation fishing practices such as bottom trawling wreak on the seabed and its wildlife, as well as highlighting the wonder of natural habitats, from kelp forests to coral reefs, and the need to protect them. But Sir David says in the film: 'The ocean can recover faster than we thought possible. 'If we just let nature take its course, the sea will save itself.' And he concludes: 'If we save the sea, we save our world.' In a major speech at the Our Ocean Conference in 2017, Charles said: 'Mine is not a new commitment, but perhaps you will allow me to restate my determination to join you in continuing to do whatever I can, for as long as I can, to maintain not only the health and vitality of the ocean and all that depends upon it, but also the viability of that greatest and most unique of living organisms – Nature herself.' He later launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative in 2020, in response to the increasing threats posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. Toby Nowlan, from Silverback Films – the movie's producer and director, said it was Sir David's 'most important story' and came at a crucial moment for global environmental efforts. He told reporters: 'A lot of people got together and said we need to make a seminal film to enact change for our ocean, to be released now – halfway through the United Nation's decade of the ocean, this year, the year of the ocean – in time for the United Nations Oceans conference in June in Nice. 'So the idea was basically to find the greatest authority on storytelling and the greatest authority in wildlife filmmaking to front this piece.' Conservationists are calling for governments at the UN conference to deliver on pledges to protect 30% of the world's oceans, protect the high seas or open ocean outside national maritime borders and halt the most damaging forms of fishing. Asked about the King's attendance at the premiere, Mr Nowlan said: 'I think it's absolutely wonderful. I think it's really, really marvellous. 'The Prince [of Wales] and the King have done incredible things for the environmental world and for conservation, and I think this just this is an extension of that. 'Their presence here really speaks to how this should be such a big moment in time – it could be such a moment in history for us to drive change and help save the ocean.'
Irish Independent
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
King stunned by David Attenborough's age as pair attend ocean film premiere
Charles was among the guests to walk the 'blue carpet' and see a first screening of Ocean With David Attenborough at the Southbank Centre in London on Tuesday. The movie, narrated by Sir David, shows why ocean recovery is vital for stabilising the climate and securing a healthier future for the population. Charles, who is patron of the Marine Biological Association, has advocated for protecting the environment and sustainability, including in the oceans, for more than five decades. Meeting with Sir David and his daughter Susan ahead of the premiere, Charles said he was 'so glad' the broadcaster was involved with the film and that it was 'always a pleasure' to see him. The King asked the veteran broadcaster about his 99th birthday, which Sir David confirmed was on Thursday, the day of the film's release. Charles remarked in response: 'I can't believe it.' The pair remained in lively discussion as they posed for photos, before both were greeted with warm applause by the 2,200 fellow attendees as they entered the auditorium for the screening. Charles, wearing a black suit and bow tie, had earlier arrived on the blue carpet and met with several high-profile guests that included actor Theo James – with the pair sharing a light chuckle. In a major speech at the Our Ocean Conference in 2017, Charles said: 'Mine is not a new commitment, but perhaps you will allow me to restate my determination to join you in continuing to do whatever I can, for as long as I can, to maintain not only the health and vitality of the ocean and all that depends upon it, but also the viability of that greatest and most unique of living organisms – Nature herself.' He later launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative in 2020, in response to the increasing threats posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. ADVERTISEMENT Toby Nowlan, from Silverback Films – the movie's producer and director, said it was Sir David's 'most important story' and came at a crucial moment for global environmental efforts. He told reporters: 'A lot of people got together and said we need to make a seminal film to enact change for our ocean, to be released now – halfway through the United Nation's decade of the ocean, this year, the year of the ocean – in time for the United Nations Oceans conference in June in Nice. 'So the idea was basically to find the greatest authority on storytelling and the greatest authority in wildlife filmmaking to front this piece.' Asked about the King's attendance at the premiere, Mr Nowlan said: 'I think it's absolutely wonderful. I think it's really, really marvellous. 'The Prince [of Wales] and the King have done incredible things for the environmental world and for conservation, and I think this just this is an extension of that. 'Their presence here really speaks to how this should be such a big moment in time – it could be such a moment in history for us to drive change and help save the ocean.'
Evening Standard
06-05-2025
- General
- Evening Standard
King stunned by David Attenborough's age as pair attend ocean film premiere
In a major speech at the Our Ocean Conference in 2017, Charles said: 'Mine is not a new commitment, but perhaps you will allow me to restate my determination to join you in continuing to do whatever I can, for as long as I can, to maintain not only the health and vitality of the ocean and all that depends upon it, but also the viability of that greatest and most unique of living organisms – Nature herself.'
Korea Herald
06-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Europe highlights plastic pollution at OOC Korea
Europe highlighted ways to tackle marine plastic pollution at the 10th edition of Our Ocean Conference held in Busan, South Korea. Under the theme 'Our Ocean, Our Action,' the conference brought together more than 2,600 ocean leaders from over 100 countries, resulting in 277 global pledges totaling $9.1 billion, according to Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Speaking at the conference, Charlina Vitcheva, director-general for maritime affairs and fisheries at the European Commission, underscored the European Union's commitment to combat plastic pollution. 'The EU will remain firmly committed to finding a global solution to address plastic pollution,' Vitcheva said. 'A global plastics treaty is needed more than ever. If business as usual continues, plastic production will triple by 2060,' said Vitcheva, echoing warnings by the OECD that increasing plastic use — particularly in short-lived products — could drive a sharp rise in pollution unless urgent action is taken on reducing demand, improving durability and enhancing recycling. The UN Environment Program estimates that 19 to 23 million metric tons of plastic waste currently enter aquatic ecosystems annually, threatening ecosystems, biodiversity and human livelihoods. South Korea has pledged 3.7 trillion won ($2.7 billion) to advance its Korea Blue Action Plan, part of a broader international effort to promote ocean sustainability. The plan outlines 76 national commitments to preserve marine ecosystems and promote sustainable development, said the ministry. This year's conference welcomed a delegation of 11 representatives from Germany, Greece, Ireland and other EU Member States to facilitate the maritime agenda and outreach activities for marine environmental protection. According to the EU delegation in Korea, Busan City forged meaningful and tangible cooperation with the EU, recognizing its role and identity as a global ocean city. Notably, a used fishing net recycling campaign was also held on April 28 as part of these efforts. Despite the mounting global crisis, there are signs of progress, Vitcheva said, highlighting that marine litter on EU coastlines has dropped by nearly one-third, attributing the success to concerted efforts by governments, civil society and citizens, driven by the EU's Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The EU delegation in Korea also stressed growing partnership with Korea under the EU-Korea Green Partnership, launched in 2023. As part of the partnership, the EU delegation hosted a side event titled 'How the Circular Economy Will End Marine Plastic Pollution: A Joint Effort of Ambitious Policies and Innovative Businesses.' The seminar convened global policymakers, industry leaders and civil society representatives to explore innovative solutions rooted in circular economy principles aimed at ending marine plastic pollution. 'We have the Green Partnership with Korea since 2023, and its key elements embrace cooperation towards developing new circular economy models, which are strategic in tackling global marine plastic pollution issues,' said EU Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez. 'We need to align our approaches to create a supportive framework for transformative innovation,' she said. Meanwhile, Netherlands Ambassador to Korea Peter van der Vliet called for upstream solutions. 'It starts with smarter design, reuse systems and business models that reduce the burden on nature,' van der Vliet said, urging bold international policy to nurture innovation.
Boston Globe
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
US Senator Whitehouse under fire for missing vote to rebuke Trump's tariff policy
Related : The only two senators who did not vote were Whitehouse, a Democrat, and Republican Senator Mitch McConnell. Similar to bills, Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up A spokesperson for Whitehouse did not immediately return a request for comment on Thursday morning. Advertisement At the time of the vote, Whitehouse was heading back to the United States after attending the 'Our Ocean Conference' in South Korea, according to Headed back from the 10th Our Ocean Conference, where I was the sole US official. — Sheldon Whitehouse (@SenWhitehouse) Since 2014, thousands of global leaders have met at the conference But Whitehouse, in one 'USA AWOL,' he wrote. Advertisement Circled is the entire U.S. delegation to this global oceans summit, founded by the United States, usually attended by a dozen or more senior U.S. officials. USA AWOL. — Sheldon Whitehouse (@SenWhitehouse) Commenters online, however, saw some irony in the senator's remarks. 'YOU were AWOL and sank a bill we needed,' Another, @overwurked, 'It would not have passed the House and it would have been vetoed but still, I am disappointed in Senator Whitehouse,' the user Wednesday's vote arrived weeks after the Senate approved a resolution that would have blocked Trump's ability to impose tariffs on Canada. Democrats intended the latest resolution as a means to try to place a check on Trump and to get Republicans on the record about the president's Related : 'The Senate cannot be an idle spectator in the tariff madness,' said Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, a lead sponsor of the resolution. Co-sponsors of the resolution included Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Peter Welch of Vermont, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky also co-sponsored the measure. Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. Christopher Gavin can be reached at
