“We need to leave Fossil Fuels in the Ground Where They Belong ” – Leonardo DiCaprio’s Plea to Save the Earth

Friday, April 22nd 2016 was World Earth Day and over 170 nations gathered at the United Nations to sign the ‘Paris Agreement’ — the climate pact negotiated last year (click here if you missed President Buhari’s speech) aimed at slowing global warming while helping the people most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Actor & Activist, Leonardo DiCaprio addressed the assembly and called on world leaders to accelerate their efforts to combat the growing threat.

Here’s an excerpt of his speech:

As a UN Messenger of Peace, I have been travelling all over the world for the last two years documenting how this crisis is changing the natural balance of our planet. I have seen cities like Beijing choked by industrial pollution. Ancient Boreal forests in Canada that have been clear cut and rainforests in Indonesia that have been incinerated. In Greenland and in the Arctic I was astonished to see that ancient glaciers are rapidly disappearing well ahead of scientific predictions. All that I have seen and learned on this journey has terrified me.

Yes, we have achieved the Paris Agreement. More countries have come together to sign this agreement today than for any other cause in the history of humankind – and that is a reason for hope – but unfortunately the evidence shows us that it will not be enough.

Our planet cannot be saved unless we leave fossil fuels in the ground where they belong. An upheaval and massive change is required, now. One that leads to a new collective consciousness. A new collective evolution of the human race, inspired and enabled by a sense of urgency from all of you.

We all know that reversing the course of climate change will not be easy, but the tools are in our hands – if we apply them before it is too late.

Renewable energy, clean fuels, and putting a price on carbon pollution are beginning to turn the tide. This transition is not only the right thing for our world, but it also makes clear economic sense, and is possible within our lifetime.

Watch the video here!

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jemal Countess