Harrison Ford says climate change is ‘great moral challenge’
Harrison Ford has delivered a stark warning about climate change as he prepares to travel to Dubai to discuss ocean conservation. The Star Wars and Indiana
Jones actor, 76, is one of the most high-profile speakers at this year’s World Government Summit, which begins today. He said that climate change presents “the greatest moral challenge of our time”.
Ahead of the three-day event, Ford recorded a video message in which he urges viewers to join him at the summit, which is now in its sixth year and will be attended by ministers, government officials and business leaders from all over the world.
Ford started his message by asking what it would be like to live in a world that is four degrees warmer. “Fresh water shortages, higher greenhouse gas emissions, unprecedented fires, worldwide destruction. Is this the world we want?” he asked.
“Our planet, the only home we’ve got, is suffering. This is the bare truth. This is our reality. It’s up to you and me to act, now, to face the greatest moral crisis of our time. To take action. It is time to make a difference. It affects you.”
Ford, whose films have made more money at the box office than any other actor
in history, has a long track record of environmental activism. He is vice chair of Conservation International, has contributed to a series of environmental documentaries and launched public attacks on climate change deniers.
As well as the environment, gender is set to be a major theme at this year’s summit. A gender balance forum will be part of the conference, where policies for promoting women will be shared by delegates from across the world.
Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, is also due to take part in discussions with Emirati entrepreneurs.
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and Chair of the Gender Balance Forum, said organisations should work across borders to achieve greater equality between the sexes.
Other speakers about gender issues will include Jose Angel Gurria, Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and Mona Al Marri, Vice President of UAE Gender Balance Council.
Another theme will be humanitarianism in the Arab world. Among those sharing their experiences will be a woman who moved from Kuwait to help children in Yemen, a Sudanese man who has helped distribute 40 million meals to the hungry and homeless, and someone who established a foundation to shelter and rehabilitate elderly homeless people on the streets of Egypt.
Saeed Al Eter, chairman of the Dubai Council for the Future Humanitarian Work, said: “Aspiring to improve and develop the right tools of humanitarian work is a noble goal that unites societies and people.
“Humanity doesn’t belong to a race or ethnicity, but is an instinct that individuals and corporations can practise.
“Through harnessing and sharing its available resources with humanitarian institutions and organisations, the UAE aims to provide this sector with new mechanisms that allow philanthropists to fill gaps and address current challenges.
“Thus, the new developed system will contribute to improving charitable work and alleviating people’s suffering around the world.”