We really need to kick the carbon habit and stop making our energy from burning things. Climate change is also really important. You can wreck one rainforest then move, drain one area of resources and move onto another, but climate change is global.

The question is, are we happy to suppose that our grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant except in a picture book?

If my grandchildren were to look at me and say, 'You were aware species were disappearing and you did nothing, you said nothing', that I think is culpable. I don't know how much more they expect me to be doing, I'd better ask them.

I'm not an animal lover if that means you think things are nice if you can pat them, but I am intoxicated by animals.

Nothing in the natural world makes sense - except when seen in the light of evolution

You have to steer a course between not appalling people, but at the same time not misleading them.

Nature isn't positive in that way. It doesn't aim itself at you. It's not being unkind to you.