Leonardo DiCaprio urges UN to solve climate crisis

Hollywood actorLeonardo DiCaprio used hisstar power at the United Nations Tuesdaycalling for action on the issue of climate change.

• UN Climate Summit: 4 things to know about the talks
• Canada spotlights vehicle emissions regulations at UN climate talks

In his first speech as a UN messenger of peace, the celebrity environmental activist urged dignitaries and world leaders at the UNsummit meeting on climate change to"makehistory" or "be vilified by it."

"Now must be our moment for action," declared DiCaprio.

"We need to end the free ride that industrial polluters have been given in the name of a free market economy. They do not deserve our tax dollars, they deserve ourscrutiny."

Longtime climate change activist

The 39-year-old Wolf of Wall Street star has made a name for himself as a climate change activist.

Theactor toured Alberta'soilsandsthis summer while to doing research for an environmental documentary.

He launched his own environmental charity,The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, back in 1998. Itraisedmore than $25 million dollars for environmental protection at its first star-studded gala in July.

• Leonardo DiCaprio named UN messenger of peace
• Leonardo DiCaprio visits Alberta's oilsands
• UN Climate Summit: Thousands march worldwide ahead of meeting
• PHOTOS|13 celebrity ambassadors who make a difference

This past Sunday, DiCapriojoined thetens of thousands of environmentalactivists marchingin the streets of New York.

High-profile activists

DiCaprio's appearance at the United Nations assembly in New York comes just days after another high-profile appearance.

Harry Potter star Emma Watson helped kickoff the UN'sHeForShecampaign for gender equality at the international body on Saturday.

• Feminists cheer Emma Watson's UN speech on gender equality
• Emma Watson threatened on nude photo website

She and DiCaprio are just the latest in a long line ofcelebritiesfrom Audrey Hepburn to Angelina Jolie, who have represented various UNorganizations.

According to the UN, there are currently 11 other messengers of peace and one goodwill ambassador.

Othersinclude actors Michael Douglas and Charlize Theron and author and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel.

For a list of 13 celebrity ambassadors who use their profile to improve the world, see the photo gallery above.