There are articles streaming in every day, trying to create awareness of what is happening to our planet. Our carbon footprint is getting deeper and bigger as each day progresses. Yes, efforts are being made in creating alternatives but sadly, it’s just not enough given how much we’ve abused our resources. These power-packed initiatives are just a stepping stone and are a much needed solution to the global crisis under this giant polluted umbrella we inhabit, yet many ideas to help go unnoticed or lack funds. However, every now and then a person of certain domineering influence can bring about the much needed change. We are talking about a world renowned superhero- Iron Man aka Robert Downey Jr.. He is turning somewhat into a real life hero with his recent talk at Amazon Re: Mars conference which was held in Las Vegas. This multifaceted man is entering the world of AI, only this time it is not on celluloid. Downey is determined to create robots that will clean our planet through his foundation, that will use the study of nanotechnology and robotics.

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The beloved Hollywood icon plans to spend the next 11 testing months collaborating and working with UN experts to kickstart this coalition by April 2020. According to Robert Downey Jr., if all goes well, the planet could possibly be cleaned in less than a decade if not more. While more details are awaited on this ambitious project, a website called Footprint Coalition has gone live. The website does not give much information; however, it lets you sign up for their newsletter which should soon keep you up to date. It is helpful and inspiring for many to see a man like Downey realise the gravity of the situation and feel responsible about the neglect he has shown towards the environment in the past, because, it is not only him who was dismissal in his actions, we are equally guilty. Earth is shared— it does not belong to one person, so every time you witness someone litter, try to educate the person and if not, then be the educated person and pick up that wrapper. Every small action taken towards cleaning becomes a part of the bigger drive. Here’s hoping that Iron Man succeeds in his determination to help us give our future generations a clean environment that is not on Mars but on Earth that we call home.   

Check out Footprint Coalition and sign up here.