Benedict Cumberbatch is speaking out about the growing crisis of climate change and promoting his new documentary, How to Live on Earth, now available on YouTube. The film explores the challenges of living sustainably and features interviews with scientists, activists, and chefs working to protect the environment. Cumberbatch highlights a recent report by the Met Office, which found that record-breaking temperatures in England and Wales led to 2,700 excess deaths, underscoring the real-world consequences of climate breakdown. Cumberbatch has been a vegan for several years, but during the filming of The Courier, he had to eat lean meat for the role, which affected his health. He experienced a drop in blood sugar and fell ill, but returned to his vegan lifestyle afterward. Now, he sources meat ethically, such as venison, which is harvested to control deer populations in the UK. He has also supported the Green Rider movement, which aims to make reducing emissions and pollution a standard part of film production contracts. As an environmental advocate for many years, Cumberbatch has attended Extinction Rebellion protests and spoken out against government actions that have restricted climate activism. He believes in peaceful protest as a democratic right and emphasizes the need for positive, constructive action in the fight against climate change. His documentary features a range of voices, including Indigenous activists, scientists, and chefs, who share their insights on sustainable living and environmental protection. One subject, biologist Dan O’Neill, discusses the importance of preserving remote natural areas and the challenges of disconnecting from modern technology in such places. Cumberbatch acknowledges the difficulty of staying connected to nature in today's digital world, admitting his own reliance on technology. He suggests a new financial model that values nature by monetizing its protection, rather than exploiting it. He remains hopeful about the future and encourages people to find nature in their local communities. Living in Hampstead, London, Cumberbatch enjoys swimming, walking, and cycling to stay connected with the natural world. O’Neill, based in Walthamstow, also finds nature nearby, such as in the Walthamstow wetlands. Cumberbatch hopes to integrate the film’s message into his daily life, emphasizing the importance of preserving a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.