AN ENVIRONMENTAL HERO

National Geographic Kids: Tell us why you're so passionate about the environment.
 
Leonardo DiCaprio: Someone once said that we didn't inherit the Earth from our ancestors? We're borrowing it from future generations. I think that's so true, and that means that it's up to us to keep the Earth safe for the future.

NGK: What kinds of things have you done to keep the Earth safe for the future?
 
LD: My foundation, The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, grants funds to worthy environmental organizations whose goals, such as decreased global warming and increased sustainable development, parallel the foundation's. The foundation's Web site, www.leonardodicaprio.org, helps raise awareness around the world through education and call-to-action letters and e-mails.

THE ENEMY: GLOBAL WARMING

NGK: What concerns you the most?
 
LD: Global warming? It's changing the climate of our planet. And in doing so, global warming is changing our way of life all around the planet.

NGK: What causes global warming?
 
LD: Through my involvement with other environmental organizations, I have learned that scientists have gathered a lot of evidence showing that one of the reasons behind the increase in Earth's temperatures is an increased amount of carbon dioxide emissions from human activities like driving cars and powering factories.

WE CAN SAVE THE EARTH!

NGK: How can global warming be stopped?
 
LD: One way is to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions.

NGK: How do we do that?
 
LD: I drive a hybrid car, which uses less gas than regular cars because it uses both electricity and gas. We also need to find ways to create alternative energy sources, such as generating "clean," non-polluting electricity from sources like the sun and the wind.

NGK: What other suggestions can you give kids so they can make a difference?
 
LD: There are so many ways kids can make a difference. They can recycle or plant trees. Just check out all my tips (below)!

NGK: Kids can also go online to take our Be a Habitat Hero Pledge. Can you imagine the power if we got one million kids to participate?
 
LD: That's power! And it's a great way to get kids' attention. Reaching kids early is the Earth's best protection.

START PROTECTING THE PLANET? NOW!

NGK: Why do you feel it's important for kids to protect the Earth?
 
LD: Children are our future's resource. If today's kids learn to make protecting the planet a way of life, it will be a way of life for future generations to protect the Earth.

NGK: What final words of wisdom can you offer kids?
 
LD: When we all work together, even the smallest actions to protect the planet can turn into something huge. Look at it this way: It's no big deal to start taking steps right now to protect the Earth. But it's going to be a really big deal if we don't start now.

Leonardo DiCaprio's 6 Tips to Save the Earth

  1. Recycle newsprint, cardboard, plastic, and other household waste. This can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which many scientists believe contribute to global warming by up to 850 pounds a year.
     
  2. Walk, ride your bike, or carpool. Driving 15 minutes less a week can save 900 pounds of CO2 a year.
     
  3. Ask your parents to buy a more fuel-efficient car. Driving an electric or hybrid car can save 5,600 pounds of CO2 a year.
     
  4. Change three lightbulbs to fluorescent lights. This can save 300 pounds of CO2 a year.
     
  5. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
     
  6. Plant a tree to put more oxygen into the atmosphere.