“Shifting from animal meat to the plant-based meats developed by Beyond Meat is one of the most powerful measures someone can take to reduce their impact on our climate.”

Movie star and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio has called on his followers to support the climate change movement by eating less meat.

The Academy Award-winning actor, who has teamed up with vegan food brand Beyond Meat, for a climate awareness campaign, posted a picture on Twitter and Facebook, which states: “If every person in the US replaced just one beef burger per week with a plant-based Beyond Burger. It would be the equivalent of taking 12 million cars off the road.”

Addressing his 37 million-plus followers on those social media platforms, DiCaprio wrote: “Every single person can help the planet and reduce climate change with one small choice every week.

“Join me and @BeyondMeat in our mission to rethink the future of food.

 Environmentalist DiCaprio

DiCaprio regularly uses his platform to raise his voice for animal welfare and the environment.

 In another post on WorldWildlifeDay (3^rd March), the actor wrote about the importance of conserving forests in order to tackle the climate crisis.

Posting a picture of the Pahmung Krui Damar Forest, in Indonesia, the actor wrote to his 47.8m Instagram followers: “Forests cover 30% of the Earth’s surface and are home to some 80% of all terrestrial wild species.

 “They help regulate the climate and for centuries they have provided livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people, particularly within indigenous and local communities with historic ties to forested areas.

“Yet, the unsustainable exploitation of forests harms these communities and contributes to biodiversity loss and the climate crisis.”

“On this day and every day, help spread the word that forests, wildlife and biodiversity need protection!” he concluded.

DiCaprio has also co-founded Earth Alliance- an organization to combat climate change and biodiversity loss, along with businesswoman and philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs and investor and philanthropist Brian Sheth.

The organisation provides grants and educational opportunities and works with local communities as well as grassroots organizations in areas most affected by ecological deterioration and climate change.

 DiCaprio and vegan investments

 While it is not confirmed whether the actor follows a vegan lifestyle, DiCaprio has invested in Beyond Meat and several other plant-based start-ups including chickpea-based crisp brand HIPPEAS and vegan milk brand Califia Farms.

Commenting on his investment in Beyond Meat, DiCaprio said at the time: “Livestock production is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Shifting from animal meat to the plant-based meats developed by Beyond Meat is one of the most powerful measures someone can take to reduce their impact on our climate.”

“The company’s ability to create appealing, healthy meat directly from plants will go a long way in helping everyday consumers take action on climate change,” he added.

• Read: Leonardo DiCaprio urges 47M followers to support the ‘Preventing Future Pandemics’ bill

Share this story: Leonardo DiCaprio urges 37m followers to  reduce ‘just one beef burger’ per week to help fight climate change