Robert Redford Calls for Climate Action in United Nations Address

NEW YORK (June 29, 2015) – Robert Redford, the noted artist and activist, called for urgent action on climate change in an address to climate ministers at the United Nations today.  The event, which included delegates from over 193 member countries, was a key gathering in the lead up to the international climate negotiations taking place in Paris, France this December.

Excerpts from the speech 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.”

“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.”

Please find content from the event below.

• Video Clips:  http://youtu.be/nAdgO4FjMQc
• Images: All photos credited to Aristide Economopoulos/NRDC

  Robert Redford, actor, activist & NRDC Trustee, meets with Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, today in advance of delivering a speech calling for international climate action.
  Image 1: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kuepie34xohj1yz/RRedford_NRDC_5x7.jpg?dl=0
  Image 2: https://www.dropbox.com/s/r3iohbhnbfwvyk7/RRedford_NRDC_TE14186_5x7.jpg?dl=0

  Robert Redford, actor, activist & NRDC Trustee, gives a speech before UN climate ministers today calling for international climate action.
  Image 3: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vd6eyywk56es5cz/RRedford_NRDC_TE14313_5x7.jpg?dl=0
  Image 4: https://www.dropbox.com/s/agxxl6uw6itkw10/RRedford_NRDC_TE14237_5x7.jpg?dl=0

• Social Media: https://twitter.com/NRDC/status/615599738453389312
• Full Speech: https://medium.com/@RobertRedford/our-last-chance-c381c0ffb22

Robert Redford has been one of the most prominent voices in the environmental movement for over forty years.  He joined the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) as a trustee in 1975 and is deeply involved in NRDC’s campaigns to protect America’s air, land and water from pollution. He has been a stalwart voice in the fight to curb climate change, participating in numerous initiatives to seek national and global support to reduce climate pollution and advance clean sources of energy. His climate change address to the United Nations will kick off multiple awareness-raising efforts Redford will engage in this year to help advance the international climate talks in Paris this December.

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