Leonardo DiCaprio wants rich pals to give more to save planet

Leonardo DiCaprio has pleaded with his wealthy friends to give more to environmental charities ahead of his own ecological foundation's charity gala.

The star hosts the party and fundraising auction in aid of his Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) in Saint-Tropez, France next Wednesday (26Jul17).

Ahead of the event, the actor and environmental activist said that in uncertain political times it was important individuals should "exponentially" increase their gifts to charities working to save the planet.

"In an age when governments are deadlocked in predictable, partisan rhetoric, it is up to every concerned individual to be a champion for our shared planet," The Revenant star said in a press release. "We can start by exponentially increasing the level of philanthropic giving to organizations that are defending our natural world, and calling on the global community to take action together."

Since 2008, the LDF has handed out more than $80 million to environmental projects and charities.

Last year's (16) gala event raised a record $45 million for the foundation, a portion of which the actor gave to an appeal aiding the victims of last July's terror attack in Nice, France.

Stars including Cate Blanchett, Scarlett Johansson, Marion Cotillard, Tobey Maguire, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert De Niro, and Kevin Spacey attended the 2016 bash.

Lenny Kravitz will be performing for this year's (17) guests who will be able to buy artworks by the likes of Paul McCartney and Damien Hirst in the charity auction.

Bidders will also be able to purchase 'experiences' at the auction, which last year included the chance to spend an evening at the U.S. Open tennis tournament with Leonardo.