Chinese singer Karry Wang named UNEP goodwill envoy

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The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has appointed Chinese singer and actor Wang Junkai, also famously known as Karry Wang, as a national goodwill ambassador.

Famous for his leading role in the blockbuster film Miracles of the Namiya General Store and the hit single “KarryOn,” Wang will raise awareness about environmental issues, especially among youths in China, UNEP said.

The 18-year-old was described by the UN agency as a superstar of the highest ranks in Asia with more than 40 million followers on Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter. “Both in China and the rest of South-East Asia, Wang has been one of the leaders of the online conversation on the environment,” UNEP said.

“We’re very excited to work with Wang Junkai to create even more awareness about environmental issues and, more importantly, the solutions to these challenges,” Erik Solheim, head of UNEP, said during the designation ceremony in Beijing on Wednesday.

In 2016, Wang widely shared the #wildforlife campaign, reaching 400 million viewers. A year later, he publicly spoke out on the urgent need to protect endangered wildlife, naming them the “superstars of the planet.”

Apart from drawing attention to wildlife, he motivated his followers to pledge to reduce e-waste, with the hashtag #beatpollution. Within 24 hours, his post was retweeted by 1.67 million times, and more than 400,000 followers signed the pledges.

Wang pointed out young people are no longer merely onlookers when it comes to environmental action, nor should they be. “I will spare no effort to do everything I can to take care of our earth, and I invite everyone to join me in generating a wave of positive action,” he said.

UNEP said that in his role as goodwill ambassador, Wang will connect with China’s youth on some of the most pressing environmental issues of their generation, including pollution, air quality, wildlife protection, ecosystems, and more.

In the recent years, government’s policy and people’s action has led to a historic reduction in air pollution level in Chinese cities. Air quality in Beijing recorded a significant drop in PM2.5 by 54 percent during winter. PM2.5 particulate matter is able to enter the bloodstream and lungs, leading to fatal diseases. China also banned ivory trade early this year.

Last month, WildAid and outdoor advertising company JCDecaux had roped Chinese youth icons, former basketball player Yao Ming, Chinese movie star Li Bingbing, musician Jay Chou, pianist Lang Lang, and model Angelababy to raise global awareness about wildlife trade.

[Top Image: Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment with singer and actor Karry Wang who was appointed a national goodwill ambassador, on April 18, 2018. /VCG Photo]