Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental organisation is putting $5m towards helping the Amazon rainforest

Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental organisation is putting $5m (£4.1m) towards helping the Amazon rainforest after the recent surge in fires there.

Earth Alliance will give the money to local groups and indigenous communities as they work to protect the Amazon.

The National Institute for Space Research in Brazil says there have been more than 72,000 fires in the Amazon rainforest this year.

“The lungs of the Earth are in flames,” said the Titanic star.

“The Brazilian Amazon – home to 1 million Indigenous people and 3 million species – has been burning for more than two weeks straight,”



Without the Amazon, we cannot keep the Earth’s warming in check. The Amazon needs more than our prayers.” added Leo.

Utilizing his reach to create awareness, the actor told his followers a few steps they can take to help the cause.

“As an emergency response, donate to front line Amazon groups working to defend the forest,

DiCaprio, who visited Brazil two years ago to fight fires with a tribe there, said he planned to return to help again. “What’s vital to protecting these forests is to protect the indigenous cultures there,” he added.