Actor Leonardo DiCaprio uses his fame to benefit the planet

"Picture this…" says Leonard DiCaprio, speaking over a beautiful camera shot of Planet Earth in his online film, Global Warning. "This planet is a virtual paradise, the only one known of its kind. But something is wrong." The trouble, he goes on to say, is that Earth's "life-sustaining systems" are threatened by wasteful, ecologically destructive human activity.

What's going to save Planet Earth from sinking like the Titanic? Efforts like this heartfelt, passionate statement from DiCaprio, for starters. The film is available right now for your private viewing pleasure at www.leonardodicaprio.org, the actor's eco-site. It's a short but powerful statement of his concern for the environment—and of his willingness to do something about it.

He favors the development of 'renewable' energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and calls George W. Bush "America's worst environmental president."

DiCaprio's website, a project of his environmental foundation which started up in 1998, focuses first and foremost on global warming and its effects, such as rising global temperatures, decreased biodiversity in our oceans and elsewhere, and the atmospheric pollution produced by the burning of oil, coal and gas. He favors the development of 'renewable' energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and calls George W. Bush "America's worst environmental president."

Information on each of these areas is on the site, along with a list of solutions. There's also a special section for kids with games, quizzes, action tips, and more. "Reaching kids early is the Earth's best protection," explains DiCaprio in an interview.

"It's no big deal to start taking steps right now to protect the Earth," he says.

DiCaprio first became passionate about the planet as a kid himself, when he realized how many animal species had already gone extinct due to human ignorance and abuse.

That's why he thinks there's not time to lose. "It's no big deal to start taking steps right now to protect the Earth," he says. "But it's going to be a really big deal if we don't start now."

So right now, go to www.leonardodicaprio.org and get inspired to stand up with Leonardo.