All true fans know that Leonardo DiCaprio has been a prominent environmental advocate in Hollywood for years now.
However, some people might not know that DiCaprio started the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation when he was just 24 years old back in 1994.
The foundation has the “mission of protecting the world’s last wild places.”
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Since then, DiCaprio has taken it upon himself to be a voice for our planet.
His tireless efforts have been acknowledged by the UN, as evident by his role as the United Nations Messenger of Peace for Climate Change!
But that’s just the start of it!
According to Upworthy , the Hollywood heartthrob also serves on the board of several environmental organizations including the World Wildlife Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Geographic’s Pristine Seas, Oceans 5, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in September last year.
To celebrate, the actor hosted an event “to raise funds for its global environmental efforts to address climate change and protect biodiversity.”
“When I founded LDF 20 years ago, I did so based on the simple idea that we could make a real difference by directly funding some of the most effective environmental projects,” he told attendees.
As he went on to say, “Whether it be individuals, grassroots movements or major nonprofits, we wanted to focus on getting critical funding to those who could have the greatest impact.”
“We are extremely proud to celebrate 20 years of this model,” he continued.
“Since 1998, we have supported over 200 projects on every continent and in every ocean from habitat and species conservation, renewable energy, climate change, indigenous rights, and more.”
“I am pleased to announce $11 million in new grants across our six program areas, bringing the total financial impact of LDF to over $100 million.”
WOW, isn’t that so awesome?!
Leo has continued to use his platform for environmental awareness.
And that includes fully calling out President Donald Trump.
At the Global Citizen Festival in New York this past weekend, Leo expressed his disappointment in the failing efforts of our world leaders.
In regards to the Paris climate accord, which President Trump announced a withdrawal from two years ago, DiCaprio remarked : “It’s become clear that our political leaders have failed to live up to the promises that we celebrated that day.”
He added, “Our future is being gambled away.”
“And our leaders, those whom we entrust to protect us and set the example, are either failing to stop these dangerous trends or, in some cases, denying the very science of this climate catastrophe.”
Way to go, Leo!
To check out more information about the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, you can click here !
