Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation pledges $15m

By Tribute News on January 20, 2016 | Leave a Comment

Leonardo DiCaprio‘s foundation has donated a further $15 million to help preserve the planet’s natural resources.

The The Revenant actor made the pledge to organizations who are committed to ending the world’s need for oil, gas and coal during his speech at the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Awards in Davos, Switzerland, where he was honored, yesterday.

The star – who also donated $15 million over the summer – said: “We simply cannot afford to allow the corporate greed of the coal, oil and gas industries to determine the future of humanity. Those entities with a financial interest in preserving this destructive system have denied, and even covered-up the evidence of our changing climate. Enough is enough. You know better. The world knows better. History will place the blame for this devastation squarely at their feet.

“Our planet cannot be saved unless we leave fossil fuels in the ground where they belong. Twenty years ago, we described this problem as an addiction. Today, we possess the means to end this reliance.”

The 41-year-old star – who set up the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) in 1998 to protect the world’s last wild places – confirmed his donation in the speech, insisting “generosity” is vital when it comes to the world’s future.

He added: “Over the last decade, we have provided direct grants to support projects that have expanded protected areas on land and at sea, protecting iconic endangered species and empowered indigenous communities to fight back against corporate encroachment on their lands.

“But this number needs to grow, and with your help and partnership, it will. Generosity is the key to our future.

“With that I am pleased to announce today over $15 million in new commitments from LDF to fast-track cutting edge sustainability and conservation projects around the world.”

LDF has awarded $30 million grants and supported more than 65 organizations since it was founded.

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