Hollywood star and the United Nations’ Ambassador on Climate Change Leonardo DiCaprio has expressed his concerns of goring hazardous air pollution in India, especially the capital of the Hindu-dominated country, New Delhi.
DiCaprio, who is amongst the few luminaries around the globe using his fame to shed light on the environmental and climatic issues that fall prey to negligence, took to his Instagram handle to deliver his message regarding taking strong measures to take control of the changing climate situation globally.
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In his latest Instagram post, the Titanic star is bringing to light the hazardous air pollution widespread in the Indian capital saying: “Over 1500 citizens gathered in at India Gate, in New Dehli, to demand immediate action on the cities hazardous pollution levels. According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution in India is estimated to kill about 1.5 million people every year; these statistics make air pollution the fifth-largest killer in India.”
DiCaprio, while shedding further light on the demonstration, said: “People of all ages joined the demonstration, which succeeded to directly trigger action for Indian citizens:
1. The Indian Prime Minister’s office set up a special panel to address the issue, within a few hours of the protest. The panel is due to report on the issue within 2 weeks.
2. The Supreme Court of India asked the Central Government and respective state governments to fix the crop and waste burning issue of Dehli within a week.
3. The Center accepted that Green Fund will be used to combat toxic air pollution.
4. The Indian Prime Minister asked the Agriculture Ministry to distribute equipment urgently so that crop burning is no longer necessary.
Despite these promises, the air is still unsafe and activists will keep the pressure on until the air pollution reaches safe levels,” added the Catch Me If You Can star.
At the last line of his message, Leonardo DiCaprio also named the movements that collaborated in organising the protest against the air pollution.