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Leonardo DiCaprio: Climate change deniers “should not be able to hold public office”

Oscar-winner and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio wasn’t shy about his feelings on politicians who deny climate change. 

The “Titanic” star moderated a panel for the first-ever South by South Lawn event held at the White House on Monday and used the opportunity to speak his mind about elected officials who deny climate change.

“They should not be able to hold public office,” DiCaprio said. “If you do not believe in climate change, you do not believe in facts or science or empirical truths, and in my opinion you should not be allowed to hold public office.”

The panel -- tied to DiCaprio’s upcoming “Before the Flood” documentary -- included Barack Obama and climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe. 

“Climate change is happening at a faster rate than what was predicted even five or ten years ago,” the president said. “We’re in a race against time.”

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