Leonardo DiCaprio's Foundation Commits $15.6 Million to Fight Climate Change and Protect Wildlife

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When it comes to environmental issues, Leonardo DiCaprio offers more than just words.

The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation -- which the Revenant star founded in 1998 -- announced its largest-ever offering of grants on Wednesday, awarding $15.6 million "for wildlife and habitat conservation, to aide in the defense of indigenous rights, and to support innovative grass roots efforts aimed at combating climate change and solving complex environmental issues," the foundation said in a statement.

"Today we are greatly increasing our level of vital grant making and strategic partnerships to help solve some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges," DiCaprio said of the ambitious new slate of initiatives.

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Additionally, the foundation has appointed a new CEO, Terry Tamminen, whom DiCaprio refers to as a "proven leader, with the experience and passion necessary to work alongside [executive director] Justin [Winters] and the entire LDF team to further strengthen and expand the impact of our global efforts."

The 41-year-old actor has long used his platform to spread advocacy for environmental issues.

In February, while accepting his Best Actor Oscar for The Revenant, DiCaprio implored action on climate change, pointing out that the film's primary message was "about man's relationship to the natural world."

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"Climate change is real, it is the most urgent threat facing our species," he added. "Let us not take this planet for granted. I do not take tonight for granted."

Watch the video below for more of his acceptance speech.