With the coming election getting nearer, many celebrities have been more adamant about environmental issues. Now Jaden and Willow Smith are joining the battle. The famous siblings attended a march over the weekend that protested the continued construction of pipelines, officially declaring themselves anti-DAPL.
So what is DAPL? The acronym stands for Dakota Access Pipeline, and it’s in reference to an approximately 1,172 mile-long pipe that will run from North Dakota to Illinois to transport crude oil. One of the chief concerns about this project stems from the Native Americans from Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. They have been protesting the DAPL because the pipes will run through their main water source, the Missouri River. In addition, further concerns about the use of oil and its relationship to the environment are also a hot topic.
Some of the most outspoken celebs on environmental issues are Leonardo DiCaprio, Gisele Bundchen and Cate Blanchett. Now with younger celebrities like the Smiths and Shailene Woodley, who was recently arrested for her protests against the pipeline, joining together against these issues, it’s obvious that the younger generation has concerns and wants to be heard.
The protest that the Smiths participated in was peaceful and one of the many that have occurred in response to this project. In a time where every vote and stance matters, their position and status make them role models to other young adults. Hopefully others follow suit and stand up for the issues they want to make a change in.