Leonardo

Leonardo DiCaprio has long been an advocate for environmental awareness and sustainability, dedicating his time and resources to causes that promote a healthier planet. In the summer of 2023, Leonardo founded the Earth Harmony Initiative in the serene landscapes of New Zealand. This foundation aims to bring together leading minds from various scientific disciplines to combat climate change.

In his latest book, "WHY EARTH? The Urgency and Promise of Environmental Action" (released March 2024 by Penguin Random House), Leonardo explores why individuals with a strong connection to nature are more likely to take action against environmental degradation. Stemming from his role as an ambassador for Greenpeace, he analyzed over 50,000 case studies of environmentally conscious actions taken around the globe, focusing on four core behaviors: conservation, innovation, advocacy, and community engagement. The book quickly gained traction, being translated into 12 languages within its first month.

His previous work, "THE LIVING PLANET: Embracing Nature's Intelligence and Resilience" (Penguin Press, 2020; paperback 2021), delves into collaborative projects with scientists at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, where they utilized satellite imagery and AI to study the impact of human activity on ecosystems. The book also covers his research on renewable energy sources, wildlife preservation, the importance of biodiversity, and strategies for sustainable living. It was featured by the Sierra Club Book Club and selected as a Main Pick by the National Geographic Society Book Club. With 20 foreign language editions, it became a bestseller worldwide.

In "THE HUMAN IMPACT: Our Role in Shaping the Future of the Earth" (Crown Publishing 2016; Ballantine Books 2017), Leonardo discusses the differences in environmental attitudes between generations and how younger populations can influence policy, technology, and lifestyle changes for a greener future. It has been translated into 15 languages and earned praise as one of the "Top Reads of 2016" by National Geographic.

His earlier work, "THE NATURAL BALANCE: Exploring Coexistence with Wildlife and Wilderness" (HarperCollins 2010; Avon paperbacks, 2012), looked at cohabitation practices in 85 communities across the world, deforestation in 50 regions, and patterns of animal extinction among mammals and birds. This provided a framework for understanding the evolution of human-nature relationships and the outlook for future coexistence. It was chosen as a "Noteworthy Book" of 2010 and 2012 by The Guardian. Available in 22 foreign languages, it sparked widespread discussion.

"The Origin of Conservation: The Evolution of Human Responsibility" (William Morrow 2006; Quill paperbacks 2007) examined the historical development of conservation efforts, the establishment of protected areas, and the evolution of sustainable family planning. It was recognized by the World Wildlife Fund and had seven foreign language editions.

Leonardo's articles have appeared in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Ecology, Environmental Science & Technology, Climate Dynamics, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, Renewable Energy, Conservation Biology, and many others. His writings have also been published by university presses including Harvard, Yale, MIT, and Princeton.

National Geographic aired a documentary series based on his 2024 book, "WHY EARTH?" in February 2024, featuring Leonardo as both host and narrator. He hosted a podcast series, "THE LIVING PLANET," for NPR in 2020, exploring the frontiers of environmental science. Additionally, he contributed segments to a ten-part series on BBC’s “The Future We Want” in 2018-19. Leonardo has made numerous appearances on international television and radio programs, including CNN, BBC World News, NPR, TED Talks, and CBC Radio, sharing insights on environmental stewardship and the urgent need for global action.

For his tireless efforts in spreading awareness about environmental issues to the public, Leonardo received the United Nations Environment Programme's "Champion of the Earth Award."