The UK’s polar research ship, named after Sir David Attenborough, has made its London debut in a special visit ahead of COP26.

The RRS Sir David Attenborough moored in Greenwich, London, as part of a three-day event to showcase environmental science, engineering and technology before world leaders meet for the climate summit in Glasgow.

Originally set to be named Boaty McBoatface following a public vote, the ship will embark on its first Antarctic mission later this year.

As part of its visit, Sir David Attenborough gave a speech on board the vessel where he called on world leaders to listen to the science and take action to tackle climate change.

“We all know the magnitude of the dangers facing us in the immediate future,” he said.

“Would it not be marvellous to suppose that as a consequence of our discoveries, and science’s discoveries, the nations of the world joined together and actually did something in this coming COP?

“Let us see what it does, but I hope and pray that my goodness it takes action.

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“That nations get together and listen to the science of what has to be done if the world is not to be overcome by catastrophe.”

The TV naturalist also spoke about the “increasing importance” of science in the climate crisis and pointed to how quickly world leaders acted in response to evidence from British scientists in the 1980s of the damage to the ozone layer.

Sir David said: “It only took two years for the world to take notice of the warning that the hole in the ozone layer was damaging the entire globe… for the nations of the world to take action.

“That saved the world from major damage coming from the skies.”

He added that he was very proud and could think of no greater compliment than to be associated with the ship.

COP26 will be the first time global leaders will review the most up-to-date action plans created to try to limit global warming to 2C – but ideally 1.5C – to curb climate breakdown.

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The UK’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, who also made an appearance on board the vessel, said the 1.5C goal is “only achievable if we take action now”.

He added: “1.5C is both important and achievable, but is only achievable if we take action now to get steep reductions in emissions by 2030.”

Sir Patrick made it clear that this will be “very dependant” upon research and development, adding that the use of technology and investment will be key, but “little things” such as eating less meat, and not flying as frequently “all add up to make a difference”.

“They’re not the solution but they’re part of the solution,” he added.

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On technology, Sir Patrick said it is going to be “really important to get this at scale”, listing examples such as home heating, electric vehicles, and new sustainable aircraft fuel as well as “other things that add to the carbon burden”.

He said: “These are all going to be important technological changes which need to be implemented right the way across the globe and there are things we can do now and we must do now.”

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