It’s not uncommon to see celebrities arrested during climate protests on Capitol Hill. Is it nice to know that they care about the environment? Sure. But does it sometimes feel like a publicity stunt when Jane Fonda repeatedly gets arrested and just draws attention to herself? Definitely.
So it’s even better when we see celebrities’ efforts to tackle climate change awarded instead of arrested. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ climate activism was awarded this past June by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a global nonprofit that “works to safeguard the earth” with the help of scientists, lawyers, and activists around the world (nrdc.org).
At the heart of the NRDC’s mission is the idea that clean water, air, and overall healthier communities are basic human rights.
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Louis-Dreyfus awarded for her climate activism
On the night of June 7, the NRDC awarded Louis-Dreyfus for her outspoken reputation on climate activism and for her contributions to the NRDC in preventing climate disasters.
The event, dubbed “A Night of Comedy” by the NRDC, featured more celebrity recognition and fundraising and earned the organization $1.8 million in donations. Some other Hollywood attendees included Leslie Jones, Chelsea Handler, Nick Kroll, and Tig Notaro.
“I’m a believer in their advocacy work and their fight,” Louis-Dreyfus said when discussing the NRDC, according to Variety. “And, if my being here helps shine a spotlight on them, then I’m all for it.”
Louis-Dreyfus also attributed the progress in environmental legislation to the NRDC’s work and influence in the climate action community. An NRDC trustee, Louis-Dreyfus has been an outspoken eco-activist for years and recently was a spokesperson for exposing the coal industry’s role in polluting air quality worldwide.
In her award acceptance speech, she forcefully upheld the idea that environmentalism is for everyone:
“You can write to your elected officials. You can take to the streets when things aren’t what they need to be, fight and protest. Taking action. Don’t just sit on your ass. Do something!”
Climate activism is for everyone
It’s more impactful when a celebrity is seen for their contributions, rather than the number of times Capitol Police slap them in handcuffs.
Louis-Dreyfus used her climate award to address a real issue and to remind the audience that everyone can make a difference. We all breathe the same air and share the same Earth. So why not take Louis-Dreyfus’s advice and get up and do something?
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — Featured Photo: Julia Louis-Dreyfus at the 2017 WorkHuman conference at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo Credits: Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons.
