Hollywood’s ‘Eco-Warriors’: Are They Doing Enough?

Annabel delves into the eco-friendly actions of Hollywood’s elite.

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

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