Leonardo DiCaprioโs environmental initiative called Earth Alliance has pledged $5 million towards the preservation of the Amazon rainforest following the wildfires.
The new organizationโs emergency Amazon Forest Fund is working to support local partners and indigenous communities in their efforts to protect the sensitive habitats within the Amazon reports Variety.
The funds will be donated to five local organizations.
According to the fundโs website, more than 72,000 fires have been reported by Brazilโs National Institute for Space Research (INPE) โ a sharp growth from 2018โs 40,000 fires, which can largely be attributed to an unprecedented surge in deforestation by cattle operations and feed crops.
The alarming wildfires have also sparked widespread outrage online, prompting a number of celebrities to use their social media platforms to raise awareness.
โThe largest rainforest in the world is a critical piece of the global climate solution. Without the Amazon, we cannot keep the Earthโs warming in check,โ DiCaprio had written on Instagram.
If youโd like to support DiCaprio and his recently created fund, you can donate via Earth Allianceโs webpage. 100% of donations will be given to the non-profitโs various on-the-ground partners.