Alison Sullivan
There are people out there who want their actors to be extremely perspective neutral. They want them to have few opinions. Maybe none at all. Just look hot and pretend to be able to control the minds of fish.
But when you’re as famous as Jason Momoa, it must seem irresponsible to not say anything. Momoa was born in Hawaii, a state made out of a chain of islands. Islands are very vulnerable to climate change in many ways—anyone who grew up there would feel an obligation to help the people and land survive. That’s only going to be possible if the governments of the world take action.
Momoa went to the United Nations to give a speech on environmental destruction, focusing on plastic pollution in the ocean, which is set to soon outstrip the amount of wildlife in the water.
In his speech, Momoa had some pretty harsh things to say about humanity, saying we are “a disease that is infecting our planet.”
Later, Momoa posted about the experience on social media, writing, “That was a life changing moment, a true honor to represent island nations at the UN. It takes an amazing team and support system to pull off something like this. I am deeply grateful to my wife and children, my mother.”
Many people are incredibly moved by Momoa’s words and are applauding him for standing up for the planet:
Always had mad respect for Jason Mamoa but man…after today's UN speech?
He's passionate and has been fighting to protect our oceans and the sacred lands that are a part of him
What a man ? pic.twitter.com/W0zEXm5eMH— ??Sarah?? (@BeetleBaby97) September 28, 2019
“The planet is nothing more than an island floating amongst an ocean of stars.” – Jason Mamoa at @UN https://t.co/XN1ArZ02zD
— Leilani Münter (@LeilaniMunter) September 28, 2019
Our Oceans are in crisis. Jason Mamoa speaking on behalf of small island nations at the UN #ClimateAction #EndOverfishing https://t.co/b62fPNauFB
— Fintan Kelly (@Biggyfin) September 28, 2019
But others think Aquaman should stay in his lane, since he’s an actor and not an environmentalist:
Jason Mamoa being real life aquaman and trying to protect the oceans ??? https://t.co/Oe2bnnMTXz
— Ashlyn ♀️ (@trashlyn_) September 28, 2019
He's an actor with one hit movie to his name. So what?
— Roud#7734 (@Roud7734) September 30, 2019
But did you know that Momoa actually has a degree in Marine Biology? Twist!
Yes
— Moodles (@mellymoo0710) September 30, 2019
He plays Aquaman. He’s from Hawaii. He has a degree in science. He is truly the perfect person to speak up on behalf of ocean wildlife, in every way. And his point is that we are all responsible for the destruction of the planet and for saving it. We’re all driving down the road together.