Chris Packham: “This Isn’t Just an Extinction Event—It’s Extinction Itself.”

Wildlife broadcaster Chris Packham developed a deep connection with nature long before he could articulate it. As a child in his parents’ modest Southampton backyard, he became captivated by tadpoles, snails, and ladybugs. His interests quickly flourished, transforming his bedroom into a sanctuary of jars and tanks, with the garden evolving into a habitat for foxes and kestrels.

Packham attributes part of his intense curiosity to autism, which he believes enhances his pattern-finding abilities while also necessitating refuge from overwhelming social interactions. Unreservedly vocal both on-screen and off, Packham champions environmental issues and animal rights, spearheading campaigns like one aiming to cease game shooting and industrial agriculture. These outspoken views have not been without consequences; in 2019, threats against him escalated to the point where a dead crow and a fox were left hanging from his gate.

Yet these acts of violence only fortify his resolve to advocate for the natural world. In a conversation with New Scientist, he shared insights about his ongoing campaign against fossil fuel advertising in the UK, his upcoming evolution television series, and strategies for fostering a sustainable future on Earth.

Thomas Luton: Your connection with nature is evident every time I watch BBC’s Spring Watch. Does your autism you have help forge this bond?

Chris Packham: My fascination with nature comes from my meticulous observation and rapid memorization skills, allowing me to identify behaviors and anatomical patterns. I found a comfort zone in the natural world, free from peer judgment. My father, a marine engineer, and my mother, the Attorney General, didn’t directly fuel my interest, but they offered support.

As a child, my room was filled with living specimens. However, everything changed when I turned 12 and received a pair of binoculars from my dad. My passion shifted from maintaining creatures to observing them in their natural habitats.

I had an intense interest in natural history, often jumping from one species to another. While it may now be termed “intense interest,” I prefer the term “obsession.” The greater your ability to concentrate on specific tasks, the easier it is to push aside distractions and delve deep into the subject matter, which becomes a driving force behind your curiosity.

Those are remarkable abilities. However, being neurodivergent has its challenges. How might you encourage others to consider how a neurodivergent individual with autism perceives the world?

It’s essential to focus not just on challenges but also on the opportunities and strengths that come with neurodiversity. As a child, I felt drawn to the forest to engage with the wonders I desired to see and capture. In truth, I found solace there, free from judgment.

I became completely immersed in the experience. While most can identify trees by looking at their shape, leaves, or bark, I can recognize them by the sound of raindrops on their leaves when I close my eyes. It’s not an extraordinary skill—anyone can learn it—but it reflects how deeply I wish to engage with the natural world.

You’ve dedicated a significant portion of your life to environmental protection. Why do you think you’ve faced backlash as an activist?

Like many, I’m asking essential sections of society to reassess their opinions and habits. Humans are remarkable creatures—intelligent, adaptable, and innovative—yet we often struggle to change our minds.

However, it’s evident that if we don’t change our philosophies and practices, we will continue to dive deeper into crisis. There are opportunities to address these issues, and it’s vital we seize them while we can. Unfortunately, some segments of society resist this change, and that small minority can react aggressively.

Why do you think you’re confronted with such violence?

I genuinely don’t let it affect me. I’m a determined individual; if I believe in the cause, I won’t be deterred by threats. I don’t engage in a fight because I expect to win; I choose my battles based on what I believe is right. Winning isn’t about crossing the finish line; it’s about perseverance.

Currently, it can be quite challenging to unite activists, campaigners, and protestors in solidarity.

How can this be achieved?

In the UK, public protest is hindered by an unjust legal landscape. Sometimes, merely wearing a T-shirt or holding a sign can lead to arrest. We have to confront the ongoing atrocities related to environmental legislation, not just locally but especially regarding protections elsewhere in the world.

Nonetheless, I remain optimistic. Humanity possesses incredible tools, technologies, and capabilities to adapt to the challenges we’ve created. The key is to harness and deploy these resources effectively and swiftly.

Recently, you launched a petition to end fossil fuel advertising and sponsorships in the UK. Is this a significant hurdle to climate action?

In the UK, fossil fuel companies may not invest heavily in advertising, yet they cleverly target their efforts towards decision-makers and influential figures. This manipulation breeds skepticism.

Moreover, billions are funneled into sports sponsorships by these companies, subtly embedding themselves into daily life, thereby normalizing their practices.

Such sponsorships should not normalize corporations that harm our planet. The juxtaposition of cycling—an activity promoting health and reducing carbon emissions—with Shell’s sponsorship is nothing short of absurd. Additionally, allowing fossil fuel companies to sponsor institutions like the Science Museum and British Museum is unacceptable.

What does a sustainable future entail for you?

While technology presents challenges in forecasting, what I need is a shift in mindset. The prevalent focus on economic growth must be abandoned, as such growth often comes at the expense of our planet’s resources. Carefully managing these limited resources is essential for our future.

People need to reevaluate their desires. Does consuming more truly bring happiness? What genuinely enriches our lives—whether it’s nature, art, music, or dance—does not necessitate piling up possessions.

What additional changes are essential beyond mindset? Should we consider reducing population growth as part of achieving sustainability?

When discussing overpopulation, precision is essential. More people typically mean more consumption, but we must consider who is consuming. In many rapidly growing regions, consumption levels remain low.

If everyone consumed resources at the same rate as individuals in the US, we would require the resources of five planets to uphold that demand. Given the vast disparities in resource availability, equality is crucial for addressing climate change.

One of the most disappointing aspects of the Climate Summit discussions is the reluctance to subsidize poorer nations, which bear the brunt of climate change, due to selfish interests.

Shifting topics, you recently completed filming a BBC series on evolution, set to debut next year. How can humans benefit from understanding their place in the lengthy history of evolution?

We must first recognize how fortunate we are to exist. Mutations are random occurrences, and the conditions that foster success can be incredibly rare. The chances of human life evolving were slim, often hinging on serendipity.

Moreover, evolution offers critical insight into the harm humans inflict on nature. While examining historical extinction events, it’s important to remember that they aren’t always catastrophic for all life forms. For instance, while the extinction of dinosaurs presented hurdles for them, it opened up numerous ecological niches for mammals to thrive.

Today, we aren’t merely observing extinction events; we’re actively causing them. We must use accurate language to address this issue. No matter the harm inflicted on our planet, the resilience of life suggests it will endure, possibly evolving into forms more beautiful than before.