Kate Walsh has joined one of the most ambitious projects to save coral reefs, which face unprecedented destruction. To ensure that generations to come will be able to enjoy tropical reefs, the Umbrella Academy star has teamed with Sheba brand, which recently unveiled its Hope Reef.
"If we do nothing, scientists estimate 90 percent of the world’s tropical reefs will be gone [by 2043,]" Kate, 53, tells ABC Audio, saying a quarter of all marine life and 500 million people who depend on reefs for food, income and coastal protection are threatened. That is why the project aims to plant "185,000 meters of reef" across the world's oceans by 2029.
"That's about ...148 Olympic swimming pools," she said when putting into perspective the project's massive undertaking.
The effort started with the newly unveiled Hope Reef, which is located off the coast of Sulawesi in Indonesia.
Kate explains, "They started that whole project in 2019. [Hope Reef] went from five percent growth to 55 percent growth... So it could be as soon as three years it'll be completely grown in and you're seeing fish and turtles and sharks and all sorts of flora and fauna coming back to life!"
"It was a no brainer to partner with them," she smiled, noting her love of snorkeling, diving, the ocean and, of course, her cat Pablo who "loves fish" for inspiring her to get involved.
Not only that, the Grey's Anatomy alum noted that coral reefs are "one of the biggest food sources of the world," adding so many souls -- human and marine life -- are depending on their survival.
Kate invites those interested in supporting the project to visit Sheba's YouTube channel, encouraging, "All we got to do is watch [their videos] and money goes to the campaign."
She adds, "This is the first YouTube brand partnership where... one hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to this campaign."