'Vital' for big firms to help Earth

Sir David Attenborough has called on big businesses to help protect the natural world from the rapidly expanding human population.

The broadcaster said the increase is unstoppable and that action must be taken to stop the natural world from being paved over.

Distancing himself from conservationists who regard big business as the enemy, he said companies and corporations, as the holders of much of the world's wealth, have a vital and leading role to play. "It's not a mystery. Wealth empowers," he said.

"And businesses have by no means been slow in helping. We've gone to multi-nationals over and over again."

Sir David, speaking at a charity event, said the UK has used up all its land and must make effective use of what it has, such as redeveloping brownfield sites.