Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation is to donate $15.6 million to help solve environmental issues.

The 41-year-old actor announced on Wednesday that the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation is to pledge the huge sum to fund conservation and environmental programmes to help combat climate change.

He said in a statement: "Today we are greatly increasing our level of vital grant making and strategic partnerships to help solve some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges."

The latest pledge means Leonardo's organisation has donated $59 million since 1998.

(Image: Kevin Winter/Getty)

To help oversee the latest grants, the Hollywood actor has appointed a new CEO, Terry Tamminen, to the foundation.

The 'Revenant' actor added: "At this critical time, we are pleased to have Terry join us as CEO.

"Terry is a proven leader, with the experience and passion necessary to work alongside [executive director] Justin [Winters] and the entire LDF team to further strengthen and expand the impact of our global efforts."

Earlier this year, Leonardo - who is a staunch environmental campaigner - praised Pope Francis for helping to try to combat climate change.

(Image: Getty)

He said: "He's been inspiring and revolutionary, to come out and be outspoken about the issue of climate change and endorse the scientific community.

"We have 99 per cent of the scientific community now saying climate change exists and it's caused by mankind. Anyone who doesn't believe in climate change doesn't believe in science. So the fact that he has come out as the spiritual leader endorsing the scientific movement is unprecedented, and it was an incredible honour to meet him."