Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio was the target of Brazilian leader Bolsonaro when he urged Brazilian youth to vote in October’s elections to protect the Amazon jungle.
DiCaprio, known for his environmentalist identity, said in a message he shared on Twitter on Thursday, “Brazil is home to Amazons and ecosystems important for climate change” and added:
“What happens out there concerns us all, and youth voting is critical for a healthy planet.”
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who bent on environmental protection laws, replied to DiCaprio:
“Thanks for your support, Leo! It’s really important that all Brazilians vote in the upcoming elections.”
Bolsonaro, who came to power in 2019 and has been criticized for his policies regarding the Amazon forest, continued: “Our people will decide between maintaining our dominance in the Amazon or being ruled by tongs that serve the interests of foreigners.”
DiCaprio donated $5 million in 2019 to efforts to protect the Amazon rainforest.
Bolsonaro, on the other hand, has long been a target of environmentalists for his environmental policies. During the Brazilian leader’s term, there were numerous reports of accelerating deforestation in the region.
In January 2021, the most tree destruction of the last 6 years was recorded.
In Brazil, the government claims that the use of forest areas plays a critical role in reducing poverty.
Rainforests in Brazil are also known to be vital in absorbing greenhouse gases on the planet.
Bolsonaro and DiCaprio have faced the same issue before.
In 2019, Bolsonaro accused DiCaprio of “financing the burning of the Amazons” but produced no evidence.
Bolsonaro often makes claims that environmental organizations are causing fires in the rainforest.
DiCaprio, together with dozens of famous names, called to US President Joe Biden last year, calling for not signing any environmental agreement with Brazil.