WWF-Australia has today released a national TV advertisement which showcases the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, yet warns of the devastating impacts of global warming.
The spot, a creative concept by WWF and produced by Motion Picture Company, spotlights the Reef’s breathtaking underwater world.
But in a poignant twist, the ad is accompanied by world-renowned song “Time to Say Goodbye” – made famous by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
https://youtu.be/IxWsyQjj9G4
Dermot O’Gorman, CEO, WWF-Australia, said that the ad, part of WWF’s ongoing campaign to halt dangerous global warming and protect the Reef, aims to let the next Australian government know that no Australian wants to say goodbye to the Great Barrier Reef on their watch.
“Australians love the Reef and its amazing wildlife, but this election will determine its future and we we are keen to bring that message home to voters,” said O’Gorman.
“Global warming, driven by the mining and burning of fossil fuels like coal, saw water temperatures on the Reef soar this summer and 22 per cent of the Reef’s corals bleach and die.
“We hope to remind Australians that our country needs to stop mining and burning fossil fuels, and spending billions of dollars subsidising the declining industry. We need to invest in our future and in clean renewable energy to help save the Great Barrier Reef.
“Motion Picture Company has done a fantastic job of showing the Reef at its best and its worst. I think we’ve created a powerful reminder of exactly what we’re fighting for.”
Peter Slee, creative director at Motion Picture Company said, “MPC is proud to work with, and support the team at WWF on an issue like the Great Barrier Reef.
“The concept is simple and powerful. It’s not time to say goodbye to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s time to save it.”
WWF’s ad aired last night on Channel Nine, and will appear in cinemas nationally from Thursday. It will be utilised across WWF’s online and social media channels to reach thousands of people in the lead up to the election.
This election, WWF is calling on all major political parties to strengthen their policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
“We urge the next Australian Government to commit to a full package of protection measures including the transition to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2035, net zero pollution by 2050 and an end to the $7.7 billion per annum in fossil fuel subsidies,” added O’Gorman.
“This election, we want Australians to demand the policies that will save our Reef and vote for clean, renewable energy.”
