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Hollywood’s ‘Eco-Warriors’: Are they doing enough? Annabel delves into the eco-friendly actions of Hollywood’s elite.
Images courtesy of needpix.com and SVG.com
Annabel D’Monte
D’Monte
Although not going to the lengths of establishing a foundation in her name, actress Shailene Woodley has also contributed to climate awareness within Hollywood. But while protests such as the climate strike made As well as frequently sharing environmentally conscious noise in the UK, the battle would arguably be best fought by those in positions of power and influence; posts on social media, she is known for having participated in physical action such as her involvement those with large support bases. Through this, the existence of Hollywood ‘eco-warriors’ has developed in the protest over the North Dakota pipeline. Protestors were concerned over how the transportation of oil would and more and more of us have subsequently been affect the water in the local area, as well as Native encouraged to act. American habitats. Although she was arrested, its broadcast on social media to over 40,000 followers Numerous celebrities have vocalised their desire successfully brought this environmental issue to the for change amid climate fears and have shown a passion for climate activism in recent years. Among attention of the masses. these is Leonardo DiCaprio, who in 1998 established While physical activism such as this makes the biggest the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) to splash, recently many actors have been using their ultimately, ‘ensure the long-term health and wellbeing of all Earth’s inhabitants’. The foundation, speeches as a vehicle of influence on a different as well as campaigning to end the current planetary audience. In September, Jason Mamoa used his speech at the United Nations to highlight what he called a ‘climate crisis, has also “[Leonardo DiCaprio] is emergency’ to high profile members of the world’s funded over 200 arguably one of the most governments. Similarly, smaller acts of support for the projects in 50 influential individuals in cause have increased through environmental countries with consciousness on the red carpet for example, with actors programs not only Hollywood promoting such as Emma Watson and Olivia Wilde promoting ethical specialising in environmental issues” fashion from more sustainable materials. climate change, but marine life and landscapes too. Although he has come under fire for However, for many actors, is the occasional post in the donor-advised nature of the foundation (they do support of Greta Thunberg or promoting sustainable not have to disclose exactly how the money is spent) fashion at awards ceremonies really making a big enough impact, especially when considering that the carbon it is evident that through activism on such a global footprint they produce in their daily lives can be rather scale, he is arguably one of the most influential large? That’s right, we see your private jet. individuals in Hollywood promoting environmental issues. Or at least the most widely publicised.
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With the world currently in a climate crisis, it’s not surprising to see people raising awareness for the issue in any way they can.
‘‘Numerous celebrities have vocalised their desire for change amid climate fears and have shown passion for climate activism in recent years’’
