Leonardo DiCaprio made a surprise virtual appearance at the United for Wildlife Global Summit, joining Prince William to urge world leaders to step up their fight for the planet.
Appearing via a pre-recorded message broadcast just before the Prince of Wales took the stage, the Oscar winner delivered one of his signature climatic reality tests, urgent and impossible to ignore.
“This week, world leaders gather in Brazil for the first global climate summit held in the heart of the rainforest,” DiCaprio said.
“Brazil is home to 60 percent of the Amazon, the lungs of the Earth and one of our planet’s vital life support systems.”
The actor did not hesitate to warn that these precious ecosystems are seriously threatened.
“Over the past four decades, 95% of Amazon deforestation has been driven by animal agriculture, which cuts and burns old-growth forests for grazing and animal feed.
This destruction fuels droughts and illegal fires, accelerating a dangerous cycle that affects the entire planet and all its inhabitants.
The star highlighted the impressive progress of the Forest Tenure Funders Group, which has already raised $1.7 billion (£1.3 billion) since 2021 to support those on the frontline of conservation.
He also welcomed the Protect Our Planet challenge, highlighting its $500 million contribution and new commitment to doubling that investment over the next five years.
Calling on Brazilian leaders to seize what he described as an “unprecedented opportunity,” DiCaprio urged governments around the world to follow suit with strong policies and sustainable financing.
“We must learn from our indigenous partners that nature is our most powerful solution to the climate, biodiversity and human well-being crisis,” he said.
“I urge world leaders to come together and meet this moment with courage, ambition and bold action. After all, our future depends on it.”
