Hollywood actor and activist Leonardo DiCaprio arrived at the White House Monday and told an audience that climate-change critics should be banned from public office.
The South by South Lawn festival yesterday featured music by The Lumineers and the U.S. premiere of Mr. DiCaprio’s National Geographic documentary “Before the Flood,” but it was his call to ban climate-change deniers from politics that prompted cheers.
“The scientific consensus is in and the argument is now over,” Mr. DiCaprio said during an hourlong discussion that included the president and atmospheric scientist Katharine Hayhoe. “If you do not believe in climate change, you do not believe in facts or in science or empirical truths and, therefore, in my humble opinion, should not be allowed to hold public office.”
Applause broke out after the comment, the Chicago Tribune reported late Monday.
“A massive change is required right now. One that leads to a new collective consciousness. A new collective evolution of the human race, inspired and enabled by a sense of urgency from all of you,” the actor added during his presentation.
Mr. Obama struck a more subdued noted, telling the crowd that America “can’t overnight start having everyone start taking high-speed trains because we don’t have any high-speed trains to take.”
The president also said that fracking was a good development because “transitioning from coal to natural gas means less greenhouse gases.”
“Before the Flood,” starring and produced by Mr. DiCaprio, will air Oct. 30 on National Geographic channels.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.