Sir David Attenborough: It is certainly possible that there may be a cure for cancer to be found somewhere in the plants of Amazonia but that is problematical. What is certain is the Amazon rainforest plays a major part in the weather patterns of our planet. The loss of water vapour rising from this vast area would have fundamental effects on the climate in almost every part of the world and that is much the greater and immediate effect that loss of the forests would have.

Sir David Attenborough: If we are to take a selfish human point of view without regard to the welfare of other species then humanity itself globally is in real danger as the seas rise. There are whole nations who will lose their entire territory. Even here in Britain we will lose parts of East Anglia, Holland will lose a significant part of their natural territory. Unfortunately the most fertile parts of our land are low lying. We depend upon them to grow our food. Their loss and increasing spread of deserts will have a significant effect on our food supply.

Sir David Attenborough: I believe all children have a deep interest in the natural world. As we grow older more things capture our interest and some people even lose sight of the world that first fascinated them. If they do, it is a real loss.

Sir David Attenborough: The first place where I saw how fruitful and abundant the natural world can be was in the rainforests of West Africa. Warm temperatures and abundant moisture causes wildlife to proliferate in a way which is difficult to imagine if one has only lived in temperate regions like Europe.

Sir David Attenborough: When my children were small we had all kinds of pets but now that I live by myself it is not possible to have a pet and still go away for several weeks on end on filming trips. So, to my regret I have no pets at the moment.

Sir David Attenborough: If you are not scared at any time you are going to get yourself into real trouble. I have been scared. My scariest moment has been malfunctioning of my diving equipment when I have been some 60 feet below the surface. I decided that I was not designed by mother nature to be down there.

Sir David Attenborough: There is not just one bird of paradise, there are 42 different species. They vary in size from a robin to a crow. They have the most dazzlingly feather decorations of any family and I am besotted by them.