Yaoza!

Yao Ming to serve as UNEP ‘environmental champion’ 1

Yao Ming, Chinese basketball player extraordinaire and eco-activist green Olympian, recently agreed to be the United Nations Environmental Program's first-ever "Environmental Champion."

Yao accepted the UNEP's invitation the day after the Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing.

Said Yao, "In my role as 'Environmental Champion,' I will work with governments, the private sector, and the public to promote good and effective management of our environment so we can preserve the planet for future generations."

UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner was pleased to announce that Yao would serve as the new environmental champion. He said in a press release on Saturday:

"As one of the most high profile athletes in these Games and with a fan base of millions across the world, I am sure he can help us raise public awareness on the environment and Climate Change issues."

How exactly will his role differ from those of athletes in the present "champions for the environment" campaign? That question has been posed to the UNEP but still awaits a response.

Sara Barz is a writer based in Seattle.

Advertisement
Advertisement
  1. LGT Posted 7:25 am
    13 Aug 2008

    Them proud UNEP folksUN and UNEP: The world would be a different place without them [AND don't let anyone tell you otherwise!]
    http://feww.wordpress.com/2008/06/06/unep-issues-some-co2 ...
    http://rtsf.wordpress.com/2008/07/18/stop-flying-in-the-f ...

Add a Comment

You are not logged in. Thus, you cannot post a comment. If you have an account, log in. If you don't have an account, well, by all means go make one! Meet you back here in five.

Hello, Visitor!    Why not register?

Advertisement