It is hardly earth-shattering that Leonardo DiCaprio has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. But what have been ‘earth-shattering’ are his efforts as an environmentalist. Recognising The 11th Hour (2007) star’s contribution to salvaging the environment, the United Nations has named DiCaprio a Messenger of Peace, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, reported Reuters.
DiCaprio will address a UN summit meeting on climate change on September 23, a day before the UN General Assembly’s annual gathering of world leaders begins. Many leaders of the UN member states are expected to attend the climate session.
“Leonardo DiCaprio is not just one of the world’s leading actors,” Ban said. “He also has a long-standing commitment to environmental causes including through his foundation.” In 1998, the actor established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, with a mission to conserve Earth’s last wild places and ensure that humanity and the natural world co-exist without harming the other, the UN said in a statement. The organisation has contributed funds toward protecting tigers in Nepal, elephants in the wild and marine animals including sharks.
“I feel a moral obligation to speak out at this key moment in human history — it is a moment for action,” DiCaprio was quoted as saying in the statement. “How we respond to the climate crisis in the coming years will likely determine the fate of humanity and our planet.”
Interestingly, DiCaprio’s appointment by the UN coincides with a controversy surround his upcoming documentary, which highlights effects of oil sands drilling. Recently, he travelled to Canada’s Alberta province with director Darren Aronofsky to conduct research for the film. “#TarSands oil mining damages communities, water, land and wildlife and drives #climatechange. Take action!” he tweeted.
But local trade representatives criticised him and Aronofsky, saying celebrity interests in environmental concerns are a passing “fad,” reported IANS. “We are growing tired of the fad of celebrity environmentalists coming into the region for a few hours or a few days, and offering their ideas and solutions to developing this resource,” said a spokesman for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.
Alberta’s Energy Minister Diana McQueen also responded to the Hollywood duo’s visit, stating, “We respect people’s right to their opinions. At the same time, we believe reasonable people recognise the world needs all forms of energy, including fossil fuels, developed responsibly to meet its needs.”
But DiCaprio seems undeterred by the criticism. He took to Twitter to share his sentiments about being chosen by the UN for a cause he is striving for: “Honoured to accept at this key moment for #Climate2014. RT @UN: Ban Ki-moon names @LeoDiCaprio Messenger of Peace.”
DiCaprio joins the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Angelina Jolie who have been associated with the organisation. According to the UN, there are currently 11 other messengers of peace and one goodwill ambassador. Messengers who advise the world body on various issues include actors Michael Douglas, Charlize Theron and author and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 18th, 2014.
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