BEIJING — Leonardo DiCaprio praised China's work to combat climate change on a trip to Beijing on Sunday, and said he believes the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases could be "the hero of the environmental movement."
The actor and environmentalist, who called for action to combat climate change during his Oscar acceptance speech last month, praised China's shift toward renewable forms of energy to lower carbon emissions.
"As we all know, the United States and China are the two biggest contributors, and I think that China has made radical movements forward as far as alternative energy and ways to be sustainable," he said at a news conference.
"I really think that China can be the hero of the environmental movement, they can be the hero of the climate change movement," he said. "They have an opportunity to change the world and I have all the confidence in the world that that is their intention."
DiCaprio was in Beijing to promote "The Revenant," which won him his first Oscar, for best actor, at this year's ceremony. The movie was released in mainland China on Friday and has already earned 100 million yuan ($15 million) at the Chinese box office, according to an announcement at Sunday's news conference.
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DiCaprio, who has made several trips to China in the past, is one of China's most popular Hollywood actors, mainly because of his performance in "Titanic," one of his few films that have been shown in mainland Chinese cinemas. He is affectionately called Xiao Li, or Little Lee, by Chinese.
China is the world's largest coal user and producer, but has also become a leading investor in renewable forms of energy, such as solar and wind power.
Smokey Robinson to receive honor for charitable efforts
NEW YORK — Smokey Robinson is getting an award — this time for his charitable efforts.
The icon will be honored on May 19 by the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation.
Singers CeeLo Green, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, El DeBarge and Kem will perform in honor of Robinson at The Novo in Los Angeles. Tickets go on sale Monday.
Robinson will receive the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award, which was given to Pete Townshend at last year's benefit concert.
The 76-year-old Robinson also will perform at the event, to be hosted by comedian-actor Cedric the Entertainer. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.
