‘We’re precipitating an extermination rather than an extinction event’

Renowned wildlife presenter Chris Packham‘s affinity with nature blossomed even before he could articulate his thoughts. Growing up in his family’s modest garden in Southampton, UK, he developed a fascination with the simplest of creatures – tadpoles, snails, and ladybirds. His bedroom soon transformed into a sanctuary filled with jam jars, enclosures, and tanks. As he delved deeper into his passions, his interests expanded from moths and newts to include foxes and kestrels.

Packham attributes this profound fascination to his neurodivergent mind. His autism fuels his remarkable ability to uncover details and discern patterns, often providing him sanctuary from overwhelming social situations. On both screen and stage, he passionately voices his views on pressing environmental issues and animal rights, advocating for the end of practices such as game shooting and industrial farming.

Such fervent activism has attracted both allies and detractors. In 2019, a death threat accompanied by dead crows and a fox hanging from his gate demonstrated the dangers he faces. Nevertheless, such intimidation only strengthens his resolve, and he seeks to enlighten others about the achievable solutions we have to protect nature and support sustainable living. In this discourse with New Scientist, he reflects on his latest initiative targeting fossil fuel advertising in the UK and shares insights into his upcoming television series dedicated to evolution.

Thomas Lewton: Your connection with nature is evident on shows like the BBC’s Springwatch. Do you believe being autistic plays a role in this bond?

Chris Packham: My attraction to the natural world can be attributed to my unique ability to rapidly focus on minute details. I’ve always had a knack for observing behaviors and recognizing intricate features in anatomy and physiology. My parents, while not directly influencing my interests — my father being a marine engineer and my mother a legal secretary — certainly provided the environment that nurtured this curiosity.

As a child, my room constantly accommodated a variety of living creatures collected in jars and tanks. However, once I turned twelve and my father gifted me binoculars, my curiosity shifted. I became captivated by observing wildlife in its natural habitat rather than collecting it.

My interest in natural history has always revolved around different species and groups, akin to what we now refer to as “focused interest.” I prefer to call it obsession. The deeper the focus, the more distractions can be eliminated, allowing me to truly understand what I am exploring, thus igniting my passion for discovery.

Those skills are impressive. Nevertheless, neurodivergence can present challenges as well. How can you encourage others with autism or related conditions to view their experiences positively?

It’s essential to recognize and embrace the unique opportunities that come with neurodivergence, rather than solely focusing on the challenges. As a child, I ventured into the woods to witness wildlife, but I was also seeking refuge from the judgment of peers. There, I felt at home.

My deep engagement with nature allows me to identify trees by the sounds rain makes on their leaves while I sit quietly beneath them. This may not seem extraordinary, but it reflects the profound way I connect with the world around me.

You’ve dedicated much of your career to conservation. What do you believe motivates the backlash to your activism?

Like many advocates, I’m urging society to expedite necessary changes in thoughts and habits. Humans possess remarkable intelligence, adaptability, and creativity, yet we struggle to amend our beliefs.

Without a change in our approach, the challenges we face will only intensify. I advocate for finding potential solutions to mitigate these crises while we still can. Unfortunately, some individuals resist, often reacting violently.

How do you persevere amid these threats?

I honestly don’t let it faze me. My determination is unwavering. I pursue what I believe is right, regardless of the potential for victory. It’s not about accolades but rather about persistence and refusing to yield to adversity.

Could you elaborate on the current challenges you’re facing?

Activism is becoming increasingly challenging in the UK due to oppressive laws against public protest. Today, we can be penalized for merely holding a sign or a T-shirt. Moreover, we must confront the grievous rollback of environmental protections both domestically and abroad.

Still, I maintain faith in our species. We possess the tools, technology, and skills to adapt to the consequences of our actions. It simply requires the collective will to implement significant changes rapidly.

Your recent petition calls for the end of fossil fuel sponsorship in the UK. Is this a critical barrier to climate action?

While fossil fuel companies may not invest heavily in advertising overall, their targeted campaigns influence pivotal decision-makers. These corporations manipulate public perception with false narratives.

Furthermore, massive sums are spent on sports sponsorship, embedding these companies into everyday life and framing them as socially responsible entities. Such perceptions mask their destructive impact on our planet.

It is absurd for organizations like British Cycling to accept sponsorship from Shell, a company whose operations directly contradict the healthy, eco-friendly ethos of cycling. This level of hypocrisy should not be tolerated within our public institutions.

What does an ideal sustainable future entail?

Predicting the future is challenging, especially with rapid technological advancements coupled with escalating climate crises. However, a mindset shift is necessary. Economic growth shouldn’t come at the expense of consuming our limited resources — we must critically evaluate sustainable growth.

People should reflect on what genuinely brings happiness. Life’s rewards can stem from experiences like walking in nature, engaging with art, or simply enjoying the beauty around us without the burden of material accumulation.

What shifts in thinking do you envision? Do you think family planning should be a consideration for sustainability?

Discussions around overpopulation must be nuanced. While population growth increases demand for resources, it’s the consumption patterns that contribute most significantly to sustainability challenges. It’s crucial to cultivate greater equality in our resource distribution and consumption habits, especially since wealth disparities often correlate with environmental degradation.

Global climate conferences, such as COP, have repeatedly failed to financially support nations most impacted by climate change. This lack of commitment reflects a troubling tendency towards self-interest.

Lastly, you’re completing a new BBC series on evolution set to air next year. What insights about humanity’s place in nature can we glean from studying evolution?

Firstly, we must appreciate the serendipity of our existence. The odds of humanity evolving are infinitesimally low, often hinging on fortunate mutations.

Secondly, exploring evolutionary history enables us to discern the implications of our current impacts on the environment. The series delves into past extinction events; while they often devastated certain species, life continued and evolved into new forms. As we face a potential extermination event driven by human actions, it’s imperative we understand our language and approach to environmental stewardship. Life, in its resilience, will prevail and adapt, potentially emerging even more splendid.