Take one look at Sam Waterston and you can just hear the Law & Order theme song playing on a loop in your brain. However, the 16-season veteran of the enduring legal drama would probably appreciate it if we acknowledge a few of the other efforts he’s achieved, as well.

For instance, did you know that Sam is also a revered stage performer, Oscar/Emmy/Tony nominated actor and relatively recent environmentalist?

Like so many of us, Waterston says that he was ignorant for far too long about the state of the planet, assuming he knew about the most important issues just by reading the paper. But that all shifted once Ted Danson approached him about getting involved in Oceana.

Growing up by the sea, Waterston has always been deeply connected to the water and learning more about the state of the ocean was pretty much all it took to seal the deal for him. Now he’s a board member of the preeminent ocean conservation organization, which has ended up spawning a personal interest in other aspects of environmentalism.

Waterston recent narrated MSNBC’s fourth installment of Future Earth: Our Addiction to Power, which poses the question on everyone’s minds: ‘What happens when it all runs out?’ and addresses the long term consequences of our rabid energy consumption.

He feels that we’re in an urgent situation and while taking personal efforts such as driving fuel efficient cars, recycling and turning out the lights are all helpful steps along the path to a greener planet, energy is the elephant in the room that needs attention now.

Check out the video below to hear Waterston’s thoughts and ideas about our addiction to energy.

Via News On News