The Golden Globe Best Actor-winning actor has been named as a juror for the Zayed Future Energy Prize, established to honour the legacy of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding president of the UAE.
DiCaprio, a committed environmentalist who often receives praise from environmental groups for his activism, will be joined on the jury by tennis star and philanthropist Andre Agassi, Cherie Blair, the activist wife of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and the presidents of the Maldives and Iceland, among others.
It has been widely reported DiCaprio regularly opts to fly on commercial flights instead of chartering private jets. He also drives a hybrid car and has solar panels installed in his house. In an interview with Ukula about his 2007 film The 11th Hour, DiCaprio cited global warming as "the number-one environmental challenge".
The Zayed Future Energy Prize is recognised as the world's pre-eminent award for innovation, leadership, long-term vision and impact on renewable energy and sustainability.
The winner of the next award will be announced in January at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi, which DiCaprio is expected to attend.
The jury will convene later this year to discuss the nominees in the running to scoop the $1.5 million (Dh5.5 million) first prize.
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