On Earth Day, actor Leonardo DiCaprio rallied his social media followers to take action, encouraging them to reach out to lawmakers ahead of a House vote on potential changes to environmental protections.
With 60.1 million followers on Instagram, DiCaprio shared a message urging Americans to contact their U.S. Representatives and voice their opposition to the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 (HR 1897). He warned in his post that the House was set to “vote to gut the Endangered Species Act (ESA),” which was signed into law in 1973 under President Nixon, stating that lawmakers are “trading the future of life on Earth for the short-term economic gain of a wealthy few.”
Additionally, the actor pointed out the bipartisan support the ESA had when it was enacted. “The ESA was signed into law more than 50 years ago with a vote of 92-0 in the Senate and 355-4 in the House of Representatives to ensure protection of the species and ecosystems that sustain us,” he noted. DiCaprio expressed his concern that the new legislation could severely impact wildlife conservation, further explaining that the bill under review “would decimate some of the most vulnerable species that are essential to a functioning ecosystem.”
He encouraged his followers to call their representatives using the U.S. Capitol switchboard to express their disapproval of the bill, stating, “Call your U.S. Representative now and urge them to vote ‘no’ on the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 (HR 1897). U.S. Capitol Switch: 202-224-3121.”
“Alongside my organization @rewild, I urge the House of Representatives to reject this existential threat to our national security and choose to protect and restore species and safeguard the living systems that we all rely on,” he added, referencing his environmental group.
Outside of acting, DiCaprio has been an outspoken advocate for environmental issues, often using his platform for political commentary. During the 2024 election, he publicly supported Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who criticized President Donald Trump’s climate policies, notably the U.S. exit from the Paris climate accord and deregulation.
DiCaprio’s activism has also faced scrutiny due to his travel practices, which often include attending lavish events via private jets and luxury yachts owned by high-profile figures. Though criticisms arose regarding his carbon footprint, including mentions of travel to Venice with its numerous commercial flights, he has maintained a commitment to raising awareness about climate change.
He has referred to climate change as “the greatest problem humanity has ever had to face” and “humanity’s most existential crisis.” DiCaprio collaborates with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the Natural Resources Defense Council and serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace focused on climate issues.
