Labworx

Environmental concerns are continuing to grow across the globe. With pollution, climate change and rising sea levels posing threats to life as we know it, a number of high-profile celebrities have spoken out about their environmental concerns. One such example is Hollywood star Harrison Ford who has called for more to be done by global leaders to address climate change.

The Indiana Jones and Star Wars star and philanthropist branded climate change as “the greatest moral crisis of our time” while speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai in February 2019. He placed blame with world leaders for the continued global problem, stating “around the world, elements of leadership – including my own country – to preserve their state and the status quo, deny or denigrate science”.

Growing crisis

During his speech, which took place on the last day of the summit, Ford claimed that the earth’s temperature has risen by 40%, outgrowing our predictions massively. Given that 75% of the world’s largest cities, including Dubai, are on a coastline, the rising sea levels and melting ice caps could be devastating for both the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the rest of the world.

He added that the increasing global temperatures, as well as threatening the world’s population and economy, could lead to more violent weather and unpredictable weather patterns across the globe. Ford believes more needs to be done to protect those in greatest need, who he believes are “least responsible for nature’s destruction”.

Global impacts

As pointed out by Ford himself, climate change does not discriminate. “All of us whether rich or poor, powerful or powerless, will suffer the effects of climate change and ecosystem destruction”. As well as being home to thousands of valuable species, the seas and oceans capture carbon from the atmosphere and moderate the climate, making them essential for the safe continuation of life on earth.

Changes need to be made to protect the environment and prevent further destruction. Increased recycling, reduced mangrove destruction and protecting our oceans are just some of the ways we can ensure a long, healthy life for our environment. Raising awareness is a big part of that. People need to know where their waste goes, how products are produced and how modern technology we use every day affects the environment.

As Ford points out, “nature doesn’t need people, people need nature. We need to roll up our sleeves and work together for its protection”.

DOWNLOAD PDF