Leonardo DiCaprio Donates Millions to Save the Planet

By Czarina Malleta | Jan 21, 2016 | 06:00 AM EST

A-list actor Leonardo DiCaprio is giving away millions of dollars for a good cause, Business Insider reported.

Leonardo DiCaprio received a Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The actor was given the award for his philanthropic works and his initiative to improve the world. DiCaprio, who has always been active with environmental issues, said that only less than 3% philanthropic funds go towards saving the planet, but business leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos have taken a big step to change this, and he will do the same.

On Tuesday, DiCaprio pledged to give $15 million through his foundation to help save the planet. He said that he wants to help decrease the world's dependence on fossil fuels. The Guardian reported that the actor is rallying everyone to exert more action to address climate change. The Academy-nominated actor said that he has seen the effects of climate change firsthand, from the melting of the Arctic glaciers to crops in farmlands that had been destroyed.

In front of big world leaders and businessmen, he demanded an end to "corporate greed" and insisted that people shouldn't let companies 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," DiCaprio said. "Enough is enough. You know better. The world knows better. History will place the blame for this devastation squarely at their feet."

According to the actor, the solution for global warming is to leave coal, oil and gas reserves alone. DiCaprio encouraged his audience that the problem can be solved, especially with the means that we have today. His $15 million grant will include funds to protect the rainforest in Sumatra.

His Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation managed to raise and give millions of dollars for global conservation purposes. His website, leonardodicaprio.org, lists the projects that his foundation is supporting in various parts of the world.

Last year, the actor managed to raise $40 million dollars that will be used for his environmental causes, People reported. DiCaprio auctioned off his property in Belize that raised more than $11 million while Sir Elton John held two private concerts that raised $3 million in total. Other high-profile celebrity friends of the actor also helped raise funds for the foundation.

To find out more about the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation and how you can get involved, you can visit the website here.

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