Leonardo DiCaprio isn't just one of Hollywood's biggest stars; he's also one of its most vocal environmental advocates. For years, he's used his platform to raise awareness on climate change and push for policy changes to address the crisis. His efforts have led to the creation of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which funds conservation projects worldwide, and he frequently collaborates with organizations like the United Nations to amplify his message.
Known for blending activism with acting, DiCaprio sees climate change as "the most urgent threat facing humanity." Now, he's stepping into the 2024 election conversation by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president, urging voters to rally behind her environmental goals.
DiCaprio's endorsement came in a video posted to Instagram, where he declared, "Climate change is killing the earth and ruining our economy. We need a bold step forward to save our economy, our planet, and ourselves. That's why I'm voting for Kamala Harris." His caption further pointed to recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, labeling them as "unnatural disasters caused by climate change."
DiCaprio praised Harris' ambitious 2050 net-zero emissions goal, her push for green jobs, and her critical role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, a law aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable growth. As Vice President, Harris cast the decisive vote on the act, showcasing her commitment to tackling climate issues.
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In his video, DiCaprio took a pointed jab at former President Donald Trump, criticizing his decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and to reverse "critical environmental protections." He accused Trump of continuing to "deny the facts" and "deny the science" on climate change.
This isn't the first time DiCaprio has been outspoken against Trump's environmental policies. In 2016, after Trump's election, DiCaprio met with him to discuss the economic benefits of environmental preservation, although the meeting didn't yield significant policy shifts.
Harris, for her part, has drawn endorsements from other high-profile figures like Taylor Swift, Meryl Streep, and George Clooney. She recently held a rally in Atlanta with former President Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen, and appeared with Beyonc? in Houston, marking her as a popular choice among celebrity activists.
Meanwhile, Trump's supporters include Elon Musk, Kid Rock, and Dennis Quaid. With just days left until Election Day, DiCaprio's endorsement highlights the stark contrast between candidates, especially on climate policy. For DiCaprio, Harris represents the kind of leadership needed to "protect our planet and build a sustainable future."