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Leonardo DiCaprio Compares Climate Change To Slavery, Claims Drastic Measures Need To Be Taken To Save The Planet

By Chrissie Williams
Published on: 11:27 PST, Apr 22, 2016

One of the most influential people on the planet took the floor at United Nations on Friday to talk about an issue that is very close to his heart — climate change.

Leonardo DiCaprio, named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, spoke at the open session of the signature service for a new agreement which an astonishing 175 countries will pledge to make an active effort to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The Oscar-Award-winning actor has used his social media accounts to document the effects of climate change. In his opening remarks at the service, he quoted President Abraham Lincoln, reported EcoWatch.

“[Lincoln] was speaking before the U.S. Congress to confront the defining issue of his time: slavery. Remarkably, his words ring as true today when applied to the defining crisis of our time: climate change.”

DiCaprio went on to describe his journey all over the world, and how he saw evidence of a severe climate change problem. He explained that seeing the visible shifts in the world “absolutely terrified him.” Leonardo stated that the human race has no hope of survival if we don’t end our dependence on energy through fossil fuels.

“Our planet cannot be saved unless we leave fossil fuels in the ground where they belong.”

DiCaprio said that it was time to stop debating about climate change and studying the effects of the climate on the world. No more putting off a plan of action while waiting on a 10-year research study. It’s time to act and save our planet from the use of fossil fuels.

“After 21 years of debates and conferences, it is time to declare: no more talk, no more excuses, no more 10-year studies, no more allowing the fossil fuel companies to manipulate and dictate the science and policies that affect our future.”

Complex stated that while Leonardo meant well by his bold comparison of climate change to slavery, it was not well received by most on social media. For many climate change activists, they felt his harsh comparison discredited the cause and was meant to upset others instead of getting others on board with reducing the use of fossil fuels.

Social media erupted with comments directed toward the Hollywood actor about his personal use of fossil fuels. Many felt like they were owed an explanation about how he could state no one should use fossil fuels when he evidently uses them to power his private yacht. Leonardo DiCaprio has not issued a statement about his personal use of fossil fuels.

Despite the apparent global warming controversy, DiCaprio was right on several issues concerning climate change. It is a serious matter, and if it isn’t addressed quickly, it will turn into a gigantic problem for everyone. He also was correct in stating that the best way to stop climate change for every person on the planet is to band together and make a change.

Voice your opinion about Leonardo DiCaprio’s United Nations speech about climate change in the comments section below and come back later for more news and updates.

[Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images]

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