Leonardo DiCaprio: A Leading Voice in the Battle Against Climate Change

In a world where we’re racing against time to combat the climate crisis, celebrities often use their fame for different reasons. But there are some who step beyond the glitz and glamor of Hollywood to champion a cause that’s bigger than themselves. Leonardo DiCaprio is one such individual, a name recognized by millions for his outstanding acting career and also celebrated for his unwavering dedication to protecting the environment and fighting climate change.

You might remember him from some of his famous movies like “Titanic,” “Inception,” and “The Revenant.” Yet, beyond the silver screen, DiCaprio has become a passionate climate action activist, using not only his fame but also his wealth and enthusiasm to tackle one of the most critical issues of our time. His journey from an acclaimed actor to an environmental advocate has not only transformed his public image but has also sparked a global movement.

In this article, we will explore the remarkable transformation of Leonardo DiCaprio from a celebrated actor to a leading voice in the battle against climate change. We’ll also take a look at some of his famous movies to help you understand the man behind the activism, as well as his influential initiatives, the impact of his work, and the pressing urgency of the cause he champions.

How does it start?

From a young age, Leonardo DiCaprio’s career interests extended beyond acting. He once aspired to become a marine biologist, but destiny had other plans. His acting journey began at just five years old. As a child, his environmental awareness was sparked by documentaries highlighting the destruction of rainforests, leaving a lasting impact on him. In 1998, at the age of 24, DiCaprio had a pivotal meeting at the White House with then-US Vice President Al Gore, a prominent advocate for addressing the climate crisis. The primary purpose of this meeting was to discuss the pressing issue of global warming. DiCaprio considers this meeting a milestone in his journey toward climate activism.

In 1998, at the age of 24, after collaborating with director James Cameron on the film Titanic, Leonardo DiCaprio was inspired to become a climate activist. He established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation with a mission to protect the Earth’s remaining wild places and find solutions for a more harmonious relationship between humanity and nature. Through grants, public campaigns, and media projects, he has directed attention and funding toward biodiversity protection, ocean and forest conservation, and climate change initiatives.

DiCaprio’s foundation supports more than 35 innovative conservation projects globally, focusing on safeguarding fragile ecosystems and vital species. He also holds positions on the boards of several environmental organizations, including the World Wildlife Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, International Fund for Animal Welfare,  Pristine Seas, and Oceans 5. Additionally, he advises The Solutions Project, an organization dedicated to expanding the use of clean, renewable energy.

DiCaprio’s Environmental Engagement and Advocacy

Leonardo DiCaprio’s commitment to environmental causes has led him to stand alongside notable figures who share his passion for planet protection. In 2017, he collaborated with Prince Albert of Monaco at the Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean. In 2019, he joined Prince Harry and former President Barack Obama at Google Camp in Sicily. Notably, in 2021, DiCaprio toured a Stella McCartney sustainable fashion exhibit at the COP26 summit with Prince Charles (now King Charles III).

DiCaprio’s environmental activism extends to working with high-profile environmental activists like David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg, and Jane Goodall. 

He was appointed as the UN’s Messenger of Peace for Climate in 2014 by then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in recognition of his significant climate advocacy efforts. Messengers of Peace are influential figures who draw global attention to critical global issues and the UN’s work, with fellow Messengers hailing from various fields.

       (UN’s Messenger of Peace for Climate in 2014)

Impactful Contributions Through Documentary Films

DiCaprio’s dedication to climate action and his role as an actor have given him unique opportunities to advocate for change. He made his mark in the world of documentary filmmaking in 2007 when he narrated, produced, and co-wrote “The 11th Hour,” which confronted viewers with expert views on the state of the planet. This was followed by his role as a UN ambassador in “Before the Flood.” He also produced documentaries like “And We Go Green” (about electric Formula E racing), “Cowspiracy” (exploring the impact of animal agriculture), and “Catching The Sun” (on solar power). DiCaprio narrated “Ice on Fire,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

In 2021, he starred in the fictional film “Don’t Look Up,” a metaphor for climate change, as it portrayed astronomers on a media tour to warn humanity about an Earth-destroying comet. Additionally, his involvement in conservation documentaries includes producing and narrating “The Eleventh Hour” in 2007, “Ice And Fire” (focusing on global warming), and producing “Water Planet” and “Global Warning.” 

“Don’t Look Up” is a satirical film that humorously highlights the response of influential politicians, corporate entities, and the media to the pressing issue of climate change. In the movie, Leonardo DiCaprio and his co-star Jennifer Lawrence portray astronomers who find themselves in a desperate race against time, attempting to mobilize action to address an incoming comet hurtling towards Earth, only to encounter a tragically indifferent world.

Moreover, DiCaprio has used his influence to support animal rights advocacy, such as in the 2016 Netflix documentary “The Ivory Game,” shedding light on Africa’s illegal ivory trade, and the 2021 documentary “Fin,” directed by Eli Roth, which exposed shark extinction.

Conservation Initiatives and Philanthropy

The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) made its first significant conservation grant in 2010, donating $1 million in partnership with WWF to support an innovative project in Nepal. This initiative worked across the Terai Arc Landscape, strengthening anti-poaching efforts, protecting critical tiger breeding areas, monitoring tiger populations, and restoring essential corridors to facilitate tiger mobility. The project has made remarkable progress toward doubling Nepal’s wild tiger population.

Since the inaugural grant, LDF has awarded over $80 million in conservation grants for projects worldwide. In 2013, the foundation supported a WWF petition signed by 1.5 million people, urging Thailand to end its ivory trade. The initiative was successful, leading to Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra pledging to end the ivory trade. DiCaprio’s foundation has played a pivotal role in advancing wildlife conservation and protecting our planet’s biodiversity.

Harnessing Social Media for Impact

He harnesses the power of social media for a greater good. With an extensive following on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he has over 50 million and 19 million followers, respectively, Leonardo DiCaprio consistently uses his online presence to advocate for the causes that deeply resonate with him. His social media accounts serve as a hub for campaigns, brimming with posts that spotlight critical issues such as climate change, women’s rights, conservation, and wildlife protection. DiCaprio isn’t one to tiptoe around these topics; he places them firmly in the spotlight.

When it comes to demonstrating community spirit, environmental consciousness, and an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change, DiCaprio sets a commendable example for us all. His charitable endeavors persist with an enduring impact that stretches far and wide, echoing the sentiments of his timeless words: ‘Near, far, wherever you are, Leo’s charity work goes on and on.

Dicaprio’s Famous speech on Oscar Stage

In 2016, In front of an audience of 34.4 million viewers, during his acceptance speech at the Oscars for his performance in “The Revenant,” Leonardo DiCaprio made a powerful statement about his deep concerns regarding the climate crisis.

“Climate change is real, it is happening right now, it is the most urgent threat facing our entire species, and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating. We need to support leaders around the world who do not speak for the big polluters or the big corporations, but who speak for all of humanity, for the indigenous peoples of the world, for the billions and billions of underprivileged people who will be most affected by this, for our children’s children, and for those people out there whose voices have been drowned out by the politics of greed”

You can watch his speech here

Conclusion

Leonardo DiCaprio’s remarkable transformation from a celebrated actor to a leading climate change advocate is a testament to his enduring commitment. His legacy is not just on the silver screen; it’s etched in his tireless efforts to safeguard our planet and advocate for those whose voices are often drowned out by the politics of greed. His journey inspires us all to take action and address the climate crisis collectively. As we heed his call to stop procrastinating, support leaders who speak for humanity, and protect the underprivileged and future generations, we can work towards a more sustainable and harmonious world.

-With inputs from Dinesh Balasri –