Climate Change Champions: Comparing Leonardo DiCaprio and Greta Thunberg for 11-Year-Olds

Instructions

Read the information below about two famous climate activists, Leonardo DiCaprio and Greta Thunberg. Use the information and your own thoughts to complete the activities. The goal is to understand how different people can work towards the same goal and to think critically about their actions.

Part 1: Who Are They?

Leonardo DiCaprio is a world-famous actor who has starred in movies like Titanic and Inception. For decades, he has used his fame and money to fight for environmental protection. In 1998, he started the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which has given over $100 million to projects that protect wildlife, restore balance to ecosystems, and fight climate change. He produces documentaries about the environment, like Before the Flood, and gives speeches at major global events like the United Nations to encourage world leaders to act.

Greta Thunberg is a young climate activist from Sweden. In 2018, at just 15 years old, she started a "school strike for climate" by protesting outside the Swedish parliament every Friday. Her small protest grew into a massive global movement called Fridays for Future, inspiring millions of other students around the world to demand action on climate change from their governments. She is known for her direct and powerful speeches, challenging world leaders for not doing enough. She famously sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in a zero-emissions racing yacht to attend a UN climate summit to avoid flying.

Part 2: Compare and Contrast

Fill in the diagram below. In the "Leonardo" and "Greta" circles, write things that are unique to them. In the middle section where the circles overlap, write things they have in common.

Part 3: Thinking Deeper

Answer the following questions in full sentences.

1. Both Leonardo DiCaprio and Greta Thunberg are effective activists, but they use different methods. Describe one advantage of Leonardo's method (using fame and money) and one advantage of Greta's method (grassroots student movement).
2. Leonardo DiCaprio is sometimes criticized for using private jets, which produce a very large amount of carbon emissions, while also campaigning against climate change. Do you think this makes his message less powerful? Explain your reasoning.
3. If you had to choose one person to speak to your school about climate change, who would you choose and why?

Part 4: Your Turn!

Greta Thunberg started with a small, simple action. Leonardo DiCaprio uses his job to talk about his passion. What is one small action you could take this week to help the environment? It could be at home or at school.

Answer Key

Note: Some answers will vary. The answers provided here are examples.

Part 2: Compare and Contrast (Example Answers)

Part 3: Thinking Deeper (Example Answers)

1. Advantage of Leonardo's method: He has access to a lot of money, so he can fund big projects that make a real difference, like protecting a forest or an animal species.
   Advantage of Greta's method: Her movement shows that anyone, even a young student without money or fame, can make a huge impact and inspire others to get involved. It makes regular people feel powerful.
2. (Answers will vary). Example "Yes": Yes, it makes his message less powerful because his actions don't match his words. It can seem hypocritical, and people might not take his message seriously if he isn't willing to make personal sacrifices himself.
   Example "No": No, it doesn't make his message less powerful because the good he does with his foundation and his fame (reaching millions of people) is much greater than the damage from his flights. The problem is with the system, not just one person's choices, and he is using his position to try and change that system.
3. (Answers will vary). Example: I would choose Greta Thunberg because she is closer to my age and I think she would be more relatable to students. She proves that young people have a voice and can make a difference. OR I would choose Leonardo DiCaprio because he is a famous movie star, and everyone would be excited to listen to him.

Part 4: Your Turn! (Example Answers)

• Make sure to turn off lights when leaving a room.
• Use a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic one.
• Help my family sort the recycling properly.
• Ride my bike to a friend's house instead of getting a ride in the car.
• Start a "walk to school" club one day a week.