Actor and activist James Cromwell warned delegates at COP15 in Canada “we are killing the only home we will ever have”.
Irish Wildlife’s Pádraic Fogarty told how the Babe and Succession star hit out at capitalism and colonialism for destroying Earth’s riches while he addressed the UN biodiversity conference.
Delegations from around the world are in Montreal for the China/Canada co-chaired event from December 7-19.
It is hoped they will establish a global deal to reverse biodiversity collapse and protect more of Earth’s land and seas.
James Cromwell took to Twitter to say: “I’m here at #COP15 where heads of state should be, but they are nowhere to be found!
“I’m calling on our governments to follow science, and conserve & restore at least 50% of our planet.”
He is supporting Avaaz petition to “protect biodiversity, forge a new agreement so that at least 50% of our lands and oceans are conserved, protected and restored, and ensure our planet is completely sustainably managed”.
They add: “This must take into consideration the needs of human development, and have the active support and leadership of indigenous peoples.
"This long-term goal for nature can restore harmony with our home.”
Almost 3.5 million people from around the world have signed the petition on Avaaz.org.
The Irish Government is represented at COP15 by delegates from the National Parks and Wildlife Services/Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as well as Minister Malcolm Noonan.
Policy-makers from around the world are to discuss the ‘post-2020 global biodiversity framework’ which proposes 10 2030 milestones to set the world on a path to ‘living in harmony with nature’ by 2050.
A key proposal of the plan is to ensure 30% of land and marine areas are equitably managed and conserved.
We reported yesterday how Minister Noonan announced two new marine protected areas ahead of COP15 attendance.
The areas include diverse coral reefs that support numerous fish species including long-finned pilot whales, dolphins, sharks, rays and birds such as the arctic tern and puffin.
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