Leonardo DiCaprio attacks the “corporate greed” of oil companies at the World Economic Forum awards in Davos
Leonardo DiCaprio this evening won an award from the World Economic Forum for his leadership in tackling the climate crisis and used his speech to attack energy companies.
He said to the audience in Davos:
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," he continued. "Enough is enough. you know better, the world knows better. History will place the blame for this devastation squarely at their feet." Ouch.
DiCaprio hopefully won't bump into Bob Dudley, BP's chief executive who is attending the conference in Davos as well – it could make for awkward cocktail conversation.
DiCaprio pointed to research from scientists at Stamford university that suggests that the world's energy demands can be met using existing renewable technologies by 2050, and appealed to "the collective will of businesses, politicians and philanthropists… to make that potential a reality."
The actor and environmental campaigner went on to extol the virtue of institutions, worth $3.8 trillion (£2.7 trillion) collectively, which have pledged to divest funds from fossil fuel holdings, and invest instead in clean energy projects.
He also praised the example of Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates who have committed "to help build a zero emissions future".
DiCaprio has a fund for environmental causes, and which has calls for divestment from fossil fuels. In 2007 he produced and narrated the documentary The 11th Hour, which warned of the consequences of a lack of action to slow down the pace of climate change.
The Voice judge, and former Black Eyed Peas singer, Will.i.am also won one of the World Economic Forum's Crystal awards, for his leadership in providing educational opportunities for the under-served.
Will.i.am is a World Economic Forum star, returning for his second year. Displaying his true leadership credentials he said:
I want kids to dream to be like Steve Jobs more than Stevie Wonder.