Ian Somerhalder Named United Nations Environmental Program Goodwill Ambassador!

Amazing news from Ian Somerhalder! The “Vampire Diaries” heart throb is taking on a new role as a United Nations Environmental Program Goodwill Ambassador. The star’s commitment to the environment and well-being of animals is no secret. Somerhalder has founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, an organization that seeks to inspire young people to take action for a better future.

Somerhalder is an incredible example of a celebrity that is using their fame to inspire positive change within their fans. Expanding his TV appearances outside the teen-drama genre, Somerhalder was recently featured on the SHOWTIME series “Years of Living Dangerously.”  The starlet’s decision to partake in the show required little persuasion. Growing up in Louisiana, Somerhalder is familiar with the ability of a climate out of control to destroy entire eco-systems in one shot.

Speaking on the topic of Climate change, Somerhalder stated in a report on Global Post, “What scares me the most about Climate change is, within 50 years, half of all species on earth will be extinct. We will be experiencing floods and droughts that will prohibit agriculture and fisheries. It’s going to be increasingly difficult for us to get food and water. And within that lies the balance of our very existence.”

The reality of the potential devastation we could see in the coming years is readily apparent to Somerhalder. In his new role as a UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, it will allow him to extend his positive impact on the planet to new lengths. While some may believe Somerhalder could save the world, simply with his smile, I am confident that this method will be much more effective.

You can join Ian Somerhalder to “Go Greener” by clicking here. Way to go Ian, keep up the amazing work!

Image source: Ema Martins/Wikimedia Commons