Under any other circumstances – as in, if the world wasn’t literally on fire – Leonardo DiCaprio and sixteen year old activist Greta Thunberg might seem like an unlikely duo, but as it stands it kind of makes sense.
On Friday, the pair posted a photo together on Instagram, with Leo proving that he’s quite the Greta fan in a celebratory caption. “There are few times in human history where voices are amplified at such pivotal moments and in such transformational ways,” he writes, “but Greta Thunberg has become a leader of our time.”
“History will judge us for what we do today to help guarantee that future generations can enjoy the same livable planet that we have so clearly taken for granted. I hope that Greta’s message is a wake-up call to world leaders everywhere that the time for inaction is over.”
“It is because of Greta, and young activists everywhere that I am optimistic about what the future holds.”
It pretty much goes without saying that this has become the general view: the kids are alright, and their passion is pretty much our only hope when it comes to inspiring global change. Since most of the money and power rests with old guys like Leo (sorry Leo, but it’s true) it’s reassuring to see them beginning to acknowledge this fact.
So far, DiCaprio has donated $5 million to groups fighting the Amazon rainforest fires through his environmental foundation, Earth Alliance.
Thunberg’s campaigning since she kicked off an international school protest last year is too extensive to list, though she’s recently turned down an award from the Nordic Council, stating: “the climate movement does not need any more awards. What we need is for our politicians and the people in power start to listen to the current, best available science.”