Davos 2016: Leonardo DiCaprio asks world to put an end to fossil fuels

Leonardo DiCaprio appreciated the recent progress made in the fight against climate change, but said the job was still undone and stressed the need to put an end to fossil fuels. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he said: "Last month in Paris, world leaders reached an historic agreement that provides a concrete framework to reduce carbon emissions. This was an important first step, but we are a long way off from claiming victory in this fight for our future – for the survival of our planet."

DiCaprio was one among several participants at the 46<sup>th annual meeting of the WEF in Switzerland. The actor, who recently won the Golden Globe award for The Revenant, runs an eponymous foundation that focuses on the impact of climate change on wildlife. He was honoured with a 'crystal award' for his work at the event, which will see leaders from David Cameron to Jack Ma.

The actor and environmentalist urged business leaders to put an end to "corporate greed" in the oil industry and instead focus on making the planet better, pointing to the elimination of fossil fuels as the next big step to be taken.

"We simply cannot afford to allow the corporate greed of the coal, oil and gas industries to determine the future of humanity. Those entities with a financial interest in preserving this destructive system have denied, and even covered-up the evidence of our changing climate. Enough is enough. You know better. The world knows better. History will place the blame for this devastation squarely at their feet. Our planet cannot be saved unless we leave fossil fuels in the ground where they belong. Twenty years ago, we described this problem as an addiction. Today, we possess the means to end this reliance."

DiCaprio also announced that his charity, the Leonardo DiCaprio foundation, was donating another $15m (£10.6m, €13.7m) towards environmental projects. The actor later hailed Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, for his support towards "zero-emissions" and asked business leaders and other participants at the event to help fight climate change. "The challenge before us requires each and every one of us to take action. We owe this to ourselves, but more importantly to the future generations who are counting on us."

Other celebrities that will be seen at the event include rock legend Bono and rapper Will.i.am.