Harrison Ford delivered the commencement speech at Arizona State University (ASU) on Monday, May 11, 2026, alongside philanthropist Howard G. Buffett. Both received honorary Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters degrees. The actor received this award for his cultural impact, conservation work and humanitarian service.
The actor’s speech highlighted his more than 30 years of work with the nonprofit Conservation International. Ford also reflected on his own life, admitting he struggled in college before discovering acting through a drama class.
“I had always seen myself as shy, but hiding in character and costume and makeup, I had a freedom, a bravery I had never felt before,” Ford said.
Ford worked as a carpenter to support himself before finally landing a role in Star Wars.
He explained the difference between passion and purpose, saying acting gave him joy, but conservation helped him find his purpose and gave his life deeper meaning.
Ford Calls for Climate Action and Biodiversity Protection
In his speech, Ford warned that climate change threatens human survival because natural ecosystems regulate life-supporting air, water and food. He emphasized the need to protect carbon-rich forests, wetlands and oceans to slow planetary warming.
“We have an essential mandate to protect 30% of the world’s land and sea by 2030 to prevent mass extinction, to slow the warming of our planet,” Ford said.
He said that biodiversity loss is dangerous because humans rely heavily on healthy ecosystems to survive.
“If nature isn’t kept healthy, humans won’t survive. Simple as that,” he said.
“A healthy natural world provides free services. Free services to mankind that we cannot provide for ourselves,” Ford said, adding that preserving even a small fraction of key ecosystems can protect wildlife and stabilize climate systems.
“The trees, the mountain, water and soil are not commodities,” he said. “They are relatives to be cherished.”
He said ecosystems are essential for civilization, not optional environmentalism. Ford repeatedly said, “People need nature.”
Ford, who attended Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, ended his speech by encouraging graduates to use their talents to create change. “Your generation has far more power than you may realize…Don’t wait. When opportunity presents, recognize it…Go change the world.”
