Shortly after participating in the annual People’s Climate March in New York City, Leonardo DiCaprio addressed the United Nations Climate Summit on September 23. There, he urged world leaders to take action on “the greatest challenge of our existence”- global warming.
As expected of a celebrity with a net worth of about $220 million, Leonardo DiCaprio owns many cars, jets, and yachts. But before we start bashing the environmental activist for buying fancy vehicles, let’s take a look at we contribute to this hazardous climate change. Those of us who take ridiculously long showers, keep the water running as we brush our teeth, or throw away edible food should take a quick glance in the mirror. Let’s examine our own behaviors before we condemn DiCaprio’s. At least he’s making an effort to spread awareness of the climate crisis while many of us view separating recyclables from the trash as a struggle.
Although some may call DiCaprio a hypocrite for owning prized vehicles, don’t we have to give the actor credit for also being a heroic activist? DiCaprio puts his wealth to good use in many ways: he produced and narrated The 11th Hour, a film highlighting environmental hazards in today’s world, owns two hybrid cars, bought an eco-friendly apartment building in NYC, and is a strong voice of climate advocacy.
As DiCaprio stated: “This is not about just telling people to change their light bulbs or to buy a hybrid car. This disaster as grown BEYOND the choices that individuals make. This is now about our industries, and governments around the world taking decisive, large-scale action.”