Shailene Woodley Pushes for Global Ocean Protection Laws

When 70% of our planet is covered by water, protecting the oceans isn't just an environmental issue—it's a survival issue. And Shailene Woodley is making sure world leaders don't forget it.

The actress, known for her roles in "Big Little Lies" and "The Fault in Our Stars," has become a fierce advocate for establishing legal frameworks to protect international marine areas. These are the vast stretches of ocean beyond any single country's borders, often called the high seas.

National Geographic just honored Woodley as one of their "NatGeo33" changemakers. The initiative celebrates 33 people making meaningful progress on our planet's biggest challenges, inspired by the organization's 33 founders.

Right now, international waters lack comprehensive legal protection. That means nearly half the ocean's surface operates without strong environmental safeguards. Woodley has been pushing for a global agreement that would change that.

Her advocacy focuses on creating enforceable rules for these areas. The goal is simple: establish clear legal protections before we lose more marine ecosystems to overfishing, pollution, and climate change.

The Ripple Effect

Woodley's work comes at a crucial time. Scientists estimate we've already lost half of the world's coral reefs, and ocean temperatures continue to rise at alarming rates.

But there's real momentum building. In 2023, the United Nations finally agreed on a historic treaty to protect the high seas. Advocates like Woodley played a vital role in pushing that agreement across the finish line.

The treaty creates a framework for establishing marine protected areas in international waters. It also requires environmental impact assessments for activities that could harm ocean ecosystems.

Woodley joins other celebrities using their platforms for ocean conservation, but she's gone deeper than most. She's worked directly with policymakers and scientists to understand the legal complexities and advocate for specific solutions.

Her message resonates because it's grounded in science and urgency without sacrificing hope. The oceans can recover if we give them a chance.

Protecting international waters means protecting the entire ocean ecosystem, which ultimately protects us all.

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