Harrison Ford has delivered a stark warning about the impact of 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 on Sunday. 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 urged 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. “Freshwater 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 the Conservation International charity, 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 Chairperson 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.
