Barack Obama will interview David Attenborough about climate change for BBC

In an interview, President Barack Obama is normally the one giving the answers. But on Sunday, he will turn the tables and ask the questions in an interview with naturalist Sir David Attenborough airing on the BBC. Obama and Attenborough will discuss climate change, one of Obama's top issues for his remaining time in office.

"I have been a huge admirer of your work for a very long time," Obama told Attenborough in a clip of the interview posted on the BBC's website.

It is the latest in a series of unusual media appearances for Obama, who has been game to tap almost any avenue  to get his message out.

Last week, Obama was interviewed by comedian Marc Maron for the viral podcast known as "WTF". Earlier this year, he talked to green-lipstick-wearing comedian GloZell Green and other YouTube celebrities with huge followings.

To reach young people he wanted to sign up for Obamacare, his signature health care insurance program, he talked to comedian Zach Galifianakis for the web series "Between Two Ferns".

Obama has bantered with other comedians on late night television and exploited every possible social media tool, even doing his own jousting in the political arena of Twitter (@POTUS is his handle).

Attenborough, 89, has been making television documentaries for 60 years. The BBC has called him "the godfather of natural history TV".

Obama's interview with Attenborough about climate change was taped on May 8, and will air on BBC, BBC America and 20 other broadcasters around the world, a White House official said.

It comes as Obama's administration is finalising rules to curb carbon emissions from power plants. Obama has pushed world leaders to agree to new targets at a summit later this year in Paris.

Obama told Attenborough that kids are "much more environmentally aware" than adults, citing his daughters Malia, 16, and Sasha, 13, as examples.

"They do not dispute, for example, the science around climate change," Obama said in the clip.

Attenborough agreed that adults lose the fascination with nature that is common among children.

"A five-year-old, turning over a stone and seeing a slug, and says, 'What a treasure!' Kids understand the natural world," Attenborough said.

related articles
Mark Woods: Stephen Fry, eye-worms and bone cancer - how Christians can still believe in the goodness of God
Mark Woods: Stephen Fry, eye-worms and bone cancer - how Christians can still believe in the goodness of God

Mark Woods: Stephen Fry, eye-worms and bone cancer - how Christians can still believe in the goodness of God

GOP presidential bet Rick Santorum wants Pope Francis to stop talking about science
GOP presidential bet Rick Santorum wants Pope Francis to stop talking about science

GOP presidential bet Rick Santorum wants Pope Francis to stop talking about science

Pope Francis confronts climate change deniers, calls for cultural revolution
Pope Francis confronts climate change deniers, calls for cultural revolution

Pope Francis confronts climate change deniers, calls for cultural revolution

News
The Church needs to watch Channel 4's John Smyth documentary
The Church needs to watch Channel 4's John Smyth documentary

There is much more to reflect on in these two hours, presented in a very different way from previous communications, and a year later.

Myanmar junta orders an early Christmas
Myanmar junta orders an early Christmas

Locals are reportedly unhappy with the decree but know that failure to comply could lead to arrest.

BBC chooses Bradford Cathedral for Christmas Day broadcast
BBC chooses Bradford Cathedral for Christmas Day broadcast

The BBC has chosen Bradford Cathedral as the location for its live Christmas Day service in 2025, coinciding with its status as UK City of Culture and placing the historic cathedral firmly in the Christmas morning spotlight.

Presbyterian Church in Ireland under investigation amid safeguarding concerns
Presbyterian Church in Ireland under investigation amid safeguarding concerns

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has launched an inquiry into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.