Two of the biggest names in environmental activism just got together and the result is one extremely inspiring Instagram post.
Actor and activist Leonado DiCaprio (you might recognize him from many, many Oscar ceremonies and one very memorable win) met up with 16-year-old Greta Thunberg and it was an incredibly sweet moment.
You might remember Greta’s passionate speech at the U.N.
Greta has made huge waves for her environmental activism and encouragement of others to act out and make a difference. Her resolve in responding to the intense backlash has also been inspiring.
The backlash against Greta has been VERY intense.
Despite her seemingly uncontroversial stance (saving the planet is good, destroying the planet is bad), Greta has attracted a fair share of snarky comments, including one from the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Someone even made a joke ‘helpline’ for ‘adults angry at a child.’
It’s both funny and kind of sad that this kind of thing had cause to exist, but I digress.
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Greta herself even poked some fun at the situation.
On Halloween, Greta shared this post, writing, “Apparently when it comes to scaring a bunch of angry climate crisis deniers – I don’t even have to dress up!”
It only makes sense that this feisty young activist caught Leo’s attention.
Greta and Leo recently met to discuss environmental activism, and Leo posted some rare selfies on his Instagram page.
Leo captioned the shots, “There are few times in human history where voices are amplified at such pivotal moments and in such transformational ways — but Greta Thunberg has become a leader of our time.”
“History will judge us for what we do today to help guarantee that future generations can enjoy the same livable planet that we have so clearly taken for granted.”
“I hope that Greta’s message is a wake-up call to world leaders everywhere that the time for inaction is over. It is because of Greta, and young activists everywhere that I am optimistic about what the future holds.”
“It was an honor to spend time with Greta.”
“She and I have made a commitment to support one another, in hopes of securing a brighter future for our planet,” he finished.
Leonardo isn’t the only celebrity who’s been inspired by Greta’s work.
81-year-old actress and activist Jane Fonda has been so impassioned by Greta’s activism that she has started participating in Fire Drill Fridays, a protest movement on Capitol Hill that has so far lead to her arrest three times.
“It’s Greta Thunberg who inspired me,” Jane told the Hollywood Reporter.
Jane mentioned that the iconic red coat she has been seen protesting in will be the last thing that she will ever buy, as inspired by Greta . “She doesn’t buy clothes […] has never worn makeup, never gone to a hairdresser and doesn’t buy new clothes [but] is being given a ‘Glamour award.’ But she thinks it’s a good sign. She said it means anything is possible.”
