Instructions
In this worksheet, we'll explore two famous people who are fighting against climate change: the actor Leonardo DiCaprio and the youth activist Greta Thunberg. Read the information and answer the questions to think critically about their different approaches and the impact they have on the world.
Part 1: Meet the Climate Champions
Read the short biographies below and then fill in the blanks.
Leonardo DiCaprio is a world-famous movie star. Besides acting, he has spent many years working to protect the planet. In 1998, he started a foundation to support environmental projects. He has produced documentaries like "Before the Flood" to teach people about climate change and has even used his Oscar acceptance speech to talk about this important issue. He is also a United Nations Messenger of Peace with a special focus on climate.
Greta Thunberg is a young activist from Sweden. In 2018, at age 15, she started the "School Strike for Climate" movement by protesting outside the Swedish parliament every Friday. Her actions inspired millions of students around the world to join climate strikes. She is known for her direct, powerful speeches to world leaders, demanding they take urgent action. To reduce her carbon footprint, she avoids flying and famously sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to attend a UN climate summit.
Fill in the Blanks:
- The "School Strike for Climate" movement was started by ____________________.
- ____________________ is a famous actor who produced the documentary "Before the Flood".
- To avoid the pollution from airplanes, Greta Thunberg once travelled by ____________________ across the ocean.
- Leonardo DiCaprio used his ____________________ acceptance speech to raise awareness about climate change.
Part 2: Different Methods, Same Goal
Both Leonardo DiCaprio and Greta Thunberg want to protect our planet, but they do it in different ways. In the table below, list two positive ways each person helps fight climate change. In the middle column, list one thing they both do.
| Leonardo DiCaprio's Actions | Actions They Both Do | Greta Thunberg's Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 2. |
1. | 1. 2. |
Part 3: The Private Jet Question
Leonardo DiCaprio is a passionate climate advocate, but he has been criticized for using private jets, which create a huge amount of carbon pollution compared to other forms of travel. Let's think about this conflict.
Answer the following questions with your own thoughtful ideas.
1. Why do you think a celebrity like Leonardo DiCaprio might use a private jet, even though he knows it's bad for the environment? Think of at least two possible reasons.
- Reason 1: ________________________________________________________________
- Reason 2: ________________________________________________________________
2. How does using a private jet go against his message about fighting climate change?
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3. Some people say that his positive impact (like inspiring millions and donating money) is more important than his personal travel choices. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
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Part 4: Your Final Thoughts
Think about everything you've learned to answer the final question.
In your opinion, whose approach is more effective at creating change: Leonardo DiCaprio's method of using fame and money from within the system, or Greta Thunberg's method of protesting and demanding change from the outside? There is no single right answer, so explain your reasoning.
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Answer Key
Note: Some answers will vary. The suggestions below are a guide.
Part 1: Meet the Climate Champions
- The "School Strike for Climate" movement was started by Greta Thunberg.
- Leonardo DiCaprio is a famous actor who produced the documentary "Before the Flood".
- To avoid the pollution from airplanes, Greta Thunberg once travelled by sailing boat / boat across the ocean.
- Leonardo DiCaprio used his Oscar acceptance speech to raise awareness about climate change.
Part 2: Different Methods, Same Goal
(Example answers. Student answers may vary but should be similar in idea.)
| Leonardo DiCaprio's Actions | Actions They Both Do | Greta Thunberg's Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Donates millions of dollars to environmental causes. 2. Produces documentaries to educate a huge audience. / Uses his celebrity status to raise awareness. |
1. Use their platforms to speak to world leaders and the public about climate change. / Raise global awareness. | 1. Inspires young people to get involved in activism (e.g., climate strikes). 2. Lives a low-carbon lifestyle to lead by example (e.g., doesn't fly). |
Part 3: The Private Jet Question
(Answers will vary. Look for thoughtful reasoning.)
- Possible reasons for using a private jet: For security reasons; his schedule is very busy and requires fast travel between locations; he may need to travel to remote places not served by commercial airlines for his environmental work.
- How it goes against his message: His message is about reducing pollution and our carbon footprint, but private jets are one of the most polluting forms of travel per person. It can seem like he is saying "do as I say, not as I do."
- Agree or Disagree:
- Agree: A student might argue that the good he does by reaching millions of people who might not otherwise think about climate change outweighs the pollution from his travel. His donations and influence can create much bigger positive changes.
- Disagree: A student might argue that leaders should lead by example. If he doesn't live by his own message, it makes the message weaker and people might not take it as seriously.
Part 4: Your Final Thoughts
(Answers will vary significantly. The goal is critical thinking.)
Look for a clear choice and a well-reasoned explanation. For example:
- Supporting DiCaprio's approach: A student might say that money and influence are what make big changes happen. By working "inside the system," he can fund projects and influence powerful people and companies in a way that protests can't.
- Supporting Thunberg's approach: A student might say that real change only happens when many people demand it. Her approach has created a massive global movement of young people who will be voters and leaders in the future. Her personal commitment (not flying) makes her message more authentic and powerful.