DiCaprio on Climate Change

            “Our production needed to move to the southern tip of this planet just to be able to find snow,” actor Leonardo DiCaprio shared during his 2016 Academy Awards acceptance speech for his role in The Revenant. The major theme of the film is one man’s intensified relationship with nature, and apparently, for DiCaprio, both the film itself and its production induced a new compassion to protect the natural world. Throughout his acceptance speech, DiCaprio emphasizes just how grandiose of a problem climate change is by highlighting that it is the greatest threat to our entire species and for our children, as well as our children’s children. He also reflected on the fact that 2015 was the hottest year recorded in history and used the example of the production of The Revenant to emphasize changes that are already occurring.

            Climate change is not only a threat to the human species and its future offspring, but also threatens wildlife. In the case of the Adirondacks, researchers, locals and tourists alike are already seeing changes in foliage and forest life. Plants and animals that respond to cues of change in temperature and season are already facing pressure to adapt to new warmth. Having the knowledge of changes (and predicted changes) of climate in the Adirondacks helped me to feel a deep connection to DiCaprio’s speech. It is one thing for an uninformed individual to listen and to feel sadness or fear, but for those who understand what is at stake for various environments and communities, the issue feels much more worthy of such concern.

At this realization, I recognized just how important it is that we educate one another and ourselves of the scientific research and the plausible inferences that have been drawn surrounding the future of our planet. Speeches such as DiCaprio’s may be one step to informing larger audiences of the reality of the risks of climate change, but it’s just as important that these same audiences further learn and understand the specifics that are available about this prevalent issue. While the resources for this to be accomplished may be out there, I think it’s very effective that icons such as DiCaprio encourage future education and action on climate change. DiCaprio also encouraged action in addition to emphasizing climate change as the biggest threat to humanity. Though his short speech inevitably lacked specifics, he encouraged overcoming procrastination and proactively embracing change for solution.

Finally, it was clear by the reactions of many stars and attendees, such as Kate Winslet, that DiCaprio’s unexpected speech touched many. It will be interesting to see and hear of reactions to the speech, both in the press and around campus. I hope that those who were touched and have the means to further support change through activism and donation will do so. Furthermore, I hope everyone who heard the speech is beginning to realize how great of a threat climate change truly is, and that each of us must take the matter into our own hands.

Check out the speech below!

http://oscar.go.com/news/winners/watch-leonardo-dicaprios-acceptance-speech-for-best-actor-2016