Leonardo DiCaprio Speaks At The Paris Agreement For Climate Change Signing

by Chelsea ReganApril 22, 2016, 8:50 pmHomepage Slider, News >

Leonardo DiCaprio spoke at the Paris Agreement for Climate Change signing at the United Nations in New York City Friday.

Leonard DiCaprio Paris Agreement

DiCaprio, a longtime activist for environmental causes, took to the podium at the UN to encourage the world leaders present to sign the Paris Agreement, which will aid the global effort to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

“The world is now watching,” DiCaprio said. “You will either be lauded by future generations or vilified by them. We can congratulate each other today, but it will mean absolutely nothing if you return to your countries and fail to push beyond the promises of this historic agreement. Now is the time for bold, unprecedented action.An upheaval, a massive change is required right now, one that leads to a new collective conscience.

DiCaprio added, “Our planet cannot be saved unless we leave fossil fuels in the ground, where they belong. Look at the delegates around you. It is time to ask each other what side of history will you be on. After 21 years of debates and conferences, it is time to declare no more talk, no more excuses, no more ten-year studies, no more allowing the fossil fuel companies to manipulate and dictate the science and policies that affect our future.”

The Revenant actor posted about the experience on Instagram, writing, “Honored to be part of this historic first step alongside Ban Ki-moon and so many world leaders. Now is the time for bold unprecedented action.”

A photo posted by Leonardo DiCaprio (@leonardodicaprio) on Apr 22, 2016 at 6:46am PDT

This afternoon, DiCaprio returned to Instagram to celebrate the signing of the Paris Agreement.

“Today, the #ParisAgreement was signed – marking an important step in ensuring a livable future for our planet,” he wrote. “But our fight is just beginning. We have the tools in our hands, if we apply them, to prevent disaster before it is too late.”