Tackling climate change is the “biggest economic opportunity” in the history of the United States, no matter who holds political office, said Hollywood star and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio.
“There are a few, very prominent people that still deny the overwhelming conclusions of the world’s scientists that climate change is largely human-caused and needs immediate urgent attention,” he told a UN awards ceremony on Friday evening.
But “the truth” about climate change has spread like “wildfire,” he added.
DiCaprio’s comments, as he received a prize for his work as a global citizen, did not refer to US President-elect Donald Trump by name but were a thinly-veiled reference to his views and climate-skeptic cabinet members with oil industry ties.
Earlier this month, 42-year-old DiCaprio and the head of his foundation met with Trump and his team, reportedly arguing that support for renewable energy could create millions of jobs.
Trump has suggested climate change is a hoax and raised the possibility of withdrawing US support for a new global accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which most scientists believe are driving up sea-levels and more droughts and violent storms.
“In less than 100 years of our pollution-based prosperity, we humans have put our entire existence in jeopardy,” warned DiCaprio, who released his own documentary “Before the Flood” on the impacts of global warming two months ago.

Source: Arab News