Can you cut 1 Tonne of carbon pollution out of your life?
Take the challengeDo you remember Hubbell from The Way We Were?
Well in the real world, Redford is a passionate environmentalist. Just this week he called for urgent action on climate change in an address to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and representatives from 193 countries at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
In a great article for CNN before the event took place on Monday, Redford wrote,
"I believe climate change is the defining environmental issue of our time. It's hurting our people -- around the world -- and it's time to stand up and say we've had enough. Enough of rising seas and widening deserts that threaten our homes and our crops. Enough of withering drought and blistering heat that mean more malnutrition and disease. Enough of raging floods, wildfires and storms that threaten people everywhere with one disaster after another."
These powerful words highlight how important the negotiations in Paris at the end of this year are going to be. The world has had enough, and now we are ready to make some concrete plans to reduce emissions.
Redford states that there are 3 things that we can do as a community to reduce this crisis and not let climate change get any worse,
"We have to clean up our dirty power plants; invest in energy efficiency, so we can do more with less waste; and get more of our electricity from the wind and sun."- Robert Redford
Robert Redford, actor, activist & NRDC Trustee, meets with Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, in advance of delivering a speech calling for international climate action [Image: Aristide Economopoulos/NRDC].
Key excerpts from the speech at the U.N. include:
"I am here today as an environmental advocate, a father, grandfather, and also a concerned citizen – one of billions around the world who are urging you to take action now on climate change."
"Unless we move quickly away from fossil fuels, we're going to destroy the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the health of our children, grandchildren, and future generations."
"The time for half measures and climate denial is over."- Robert Redford
"The mission is as simple as it is daunting: save the world before it's too late."
"Only by acting now and standing together behind a universal climate agreement can we live up to the UN's founding promise."
"Only by acting now and standing together can we tip the scales and change the course of history."
"When 193 countries take center stage in Paris this December, the citizens of the world will be watching."
Redford has been a stalwart voice in the fight to curb climate change, participating in numerous initiatives to seek global support to reduce climate pollution and advance clean sources of energy. We are with you Robert!
1 Million Women is more than our name, it's our goal! We're building a movement of strong, inspirational women acting on climate change by leading low-carbon lives. To make sure that our message has an impact, we need more women adding their voice. We need to be louder. Joining us online means your voice and actions can be counted. We need you.
