'It is time to act': Jason Momoa & Joanna Lumley's global plea for Great Barrier Reef
Hollywood stars Jason Momoa and Joanna Lumley joined an international group advocating for the protection of the endangered Great Barrier Reef.
Updated : October 20, 2023 05:26 PM ISTHollywood stars Jason Momoa and Joanna Lumley joined an international group advocating for the protection of the endangered Great Barrier Reef.
![Jason Momoa (Source: Wikimedia Commons)](https://imagesv2.desimartini.com/images/202307/jason-1690466669.jpeg?width=800&quality=50&format=webp)
Jason Momoa (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
"The scientific evidence is beyond doubt: the Great Barrier Reef is in danger and it is time to act," resonates a global statement supported by Hollywood actor Jason Momoa and British actress Joanna Lumley. This joint call to arms emerged as the pair united with activists, scientists, and conservationists, rallying for the Great Barrier Reef's inclusion in the 'in danger' list of world heritage sites.
"We Must Act Now": The Fight to Save a World Heritage Site
As reported by The Guardian in July 2021, the world's largest reef system teeters on the brink of extinction, pushed by global heating-induced coral bleaching in 2016, 2017, and 2020. In light of this, Momoa and Lumley joined the chorus of voices demanding immediate action. "There is still time to save the Great Barrier Reef, but Australia and the world must act now," the group declared in their statement.
Hollywood's Aquaman Championing Earth's Oceans
Lauded for his on-screen aquatic heroics as Aquaman, Jason Momoa extends his passion for the ocean off-screen as well. Alongside notable figures such as Prince Albert of Monaco and Australian singer Cody Simpson, Momoa endorsed UNESCO's call to action, urging the World Heritage Committee to endorse the recommendation.
This international campaign met resistance from Australia's government, which fought to block the proposed listing. Despite this, the group's plea persisted, as they asserted the necessity for Australia, as the reef's custodian, to demonstrate global leadership on climate action to preserve the reef's future.
"The influential individuals who have signed up to this statement are from all over the world, showing that adoration and alarm for our reef is not just a concern for Australians," said Darren Kindleysides, the chief executive of the Australian Marine Conservation Society.
No world heritage site has ever been designated "in danger" due explicitly to the impacts of global heating. Yet, the crisis enveloping the 2,300 km Great Barrier Reef, a testament to nature's grandeur listed as a world heritage site since 1981, challenges this precedent.
In a world where celebrity influence reigns, it's invigorating to see stars like Jason Momoa leveraging their reach to illuminate urgent environmental crises. If we're to believe in Aquaman, then indeed, there's still time to save the Great Barrier Reef, and it is time to act.
(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)