Leonardo DiCaprio has been criticised for “greenwashing” after teaming up with Jeff Bezos over a new eco-collaboration.
- READ MORE: Golden Globes 2026: ‘One Battle After Another’, ‘Hamnet’ and ‘Adolescence’ win big
The Phoenix Species Project, is an initiative which plans to recover endangered species and will provide support to recover 100 species facing imminent extinction, spanning mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, invertebrates and plants from 30 countries in habitats ranging from oceans to volcanic plains.
The project, created through their foundations – the Bezos Earth Fund and Re:wild – is described as “the largest single philanthropic initiative ever dedicated to the recovery of Critically Endangered species” across 30 countries.
But their initiative has already been heavily criticised, with many accusing the pair of “greenwashing,” a deceptive marketing tactic in which organisations portray themselves as environmentally friendly while concealing a broader negative environmental impact.
“It’s frankly baffling how Leo could be the co-star of one of the most striking movies about the climate crisis ever made; yet doesn’t seem to grasp fundamental truths about it,” one user wrote on Reddit, referring to Adam McKay’s 2021 film Don’t Look Up.
Another added: “If Jeff Bezos actually cared about the environment, he’d give his entire wealth away AND use his influence to keep environmental policies in tact as well as improve them. As for Leo, well, greenwashing is part of his brand. Claims to be an environmentalist, but spends his free time on yachts.”
A third said: “How can actors make movies like One Battle After Another and still hang out with billionaire scum? Like I understand you must separate yourself from your character but do they just not think about the movie at all?”
Another went on: “DiCaprio doesn’t practice what he preaches. He puts his face and money in things, but still flies around in private jets, not to mention the pollution the film industry creates. While I can agree anything helps, I just don’t see him as this noble saver of the universe so I honestly think this is just PR for the both of them.”
One user on X was equally as scathing: “I am curious; what do people want? Do they want some kind of mass performative reaction? Because while you’re drinking through a paper straw Leonardo DiCaprio is flying out on his private jet to meet up with his private yacht where he can prepare a speech about climate change.”
I am curious; what do people want? Do they want some kind of mass performative reaction? Because while you’re drinking through a paper straw Leonardo DiCaprio is flying out on his private jet to meet up with his private yacht where he can prepare a speech about climate change. https://t.co/VgnW9PJZkS
— Defence With A ‘C’ (@defencewithac) August 6, 2026
Others defended DiCaprio’s efforts. “DiCaprio has been an environmental advocate for years and I have no reason to believe he isn’t being sincere here,” one Reddit user wrote.
Another added: “If the faults in DiCaprio are private jet and the film industry that he’s somehow responsible for vs what he does to promote environment/climate wellness, it seems like a pretty easy green light glad to have him situation even if he’s not perfect.”
DiCaprio and Bezos have yet to comment publicly on the backlash.
DiCaprio previously signed an open letter to former US President Joe Biden urging him to tackle the climate crisis.
