Leonardo DiCaprio Pledges $5 Million to Help Protect the Amazon
The Leonardo DiCaprio-backed Earth Alliance has committed $5 million to “focus critical resources for indigenous communities and other local partners working to protect the life-sustaining biodiversity of the Amazon against the surge of fires currently burning across the region.”
The actor is known for his environmentalism and has been outspoken about the devastating environmental impact of the fires, many of which have been deliberately set to clear land for farming.
On Instagram, DiCapro wrote that “The lungs of the Earth are in flames,” and warned that “The Amazon Rainforest produces more than 20% of the world’s oxygen.” The $5 million will be donated to five local organisations working to protect the Amazon: Instituto Associacao Floresta Protegida (Kayapo), Coordination of the Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB), Instituto Kabu (Kayapo), Instituto Raoni (Kayapo) and Instituto Socioambiental (ISA).
You can donate to Earth Alliance here.