Leonardo DiCaprio calls for more government actions in “tragedy” of Amazonas
A crisis over the massive fire in the Amazon forests is "incredibly tragic," actor Leonardo DiCaprio said Monday and urged governments to do more, amid growing international outrage over damage to the largest rainforest in the world. world.
FILE – Quentin Tarantino and actors Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie pose at the premiere of the movie “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” in Berlin, Germany. Photo: Jörg Carstensen / dpa
Reuters | Megu Jones
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Leer en español: Leonardo DiCaprio pide más acciones de gobiernos en “tragedia” de Amazonas
A record number of fires are devastating the rainforest, which generated concern due to the importance of the Amazon to the global environment. Experts say it produces a fifth of the planet's oxygen.
DiCaprio made statements a day after the Earth Alliance, an initiative he founded with philanthropists Laurene Powell Jobs and Brian Sheth, launched an emergency fund of $ 5 million to help preserve the rainforest.
"There is a huge tragedy throughout the world due to climate change and what is happening in the Amazon, which is really the lung of the Earth and is vital to protect us in the future," he told Reuters.
"We are trying to support others to get involved, inform and contribute if they can," he added, in statements on the red carpet at the Japanese premiere of the film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."
There have been more than 78,000 forest fires in Brazil this year, almost double the total of last year. Environmentalists blame those who burn vegetation to clear the land in hopes of selling the land to farmers and ranchers.
Also read: Why are the Amazon fires sparking a crisis for Brazil and the world?
The government of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has decided to send the Army to help fight the fires but was criticized for not taking further action before.
"Governments around the world, including Brazil, need to work together to ensure that this does not continue," said the actor.
DiCaprio, who visited Brazil two years ago to fight fires with a tribe, said he planned to return to the country to help.
"What is vital to protect these forests is to protect the indigenous cultures there," he added.
