Robert Redford: A Legacy of Environmental Advocacy and Influence

Robert Redford, the beloved actor, director, and environmentalist, passed away on Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy of tireless advocacy for the protection of our planet. For over five decades, Redford used his influence, passion, and dedication to champion the causes of clean air and water, public lands, oceans, wildlife, and habitat. Through his work with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and various environmental organizations, Redford was a driving force in protecting the American West, particularly the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and addressing the climate crisis.

Key Takeaways:

• Redford was an indispensable force for environmental progress, using his influence, weight of his views, and clear judgment to advance causes such as protection of clean air and water, public lands, oceans, wildlife, and habitat.
• He embodied the movement to defend the American West, speaking passionately about the need to protect dwindling clean water supplies, and working to prevent destructive oil and gas drilling.
• Redford recognized the climate crisis early on and advocated for action at home and abroad to avert a catastrophe, using his platform to draw attention to the rising toll of climate change on American communities and people.
• He served as a NRDC Trustee for nearly five decades, carving time from his busy schedule to engage in dialogue, debate, and provide counsel to guide the organization's efforts towards a sustainable world.
• Redford's legacy includes pioneerships in the use of Hollywood stardom to advance environmental progress, speaking truth to power, and being willing to take the heat for advocating for causes he believed in.
• He warned against the Trump administration's attacks on the environment and public health, calling on citizens to pay attention to government actions and to remember that, in a democracy, the voice of the people counts most.

Statistics:

• More than five decades of environmental advocacy and advancing progress.
• 330 separate actions taken or proposed by the Trump administration that threaten healthy natural resources and children's future.
• Redford helped block construction of a coal-fired power plant in Utah, and was a driving force behind the establishment of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the 1970s.
• Redford spoke at the 2015 Paris climate talks, where he hosted panel discussions and advocated directly to climate diplomats and political leaders.

Sources:

• The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
• A portrait of actor and NRDC trustee Robert Redford.
• Aristide Economopoulos for NRDC
• The Redford Center
• Alex J. Berliner/Berliner Studio/BEImages for NRDC