Leonardo DiCaprio addresses world leaders on climate change: 'The world is watching'

Oscar-winning actor tells leaders there can 'no more excuses' in the battle to halt global warming

DiCaprio won Best Actor at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Turner)

Leonardo DiCaprio has told leaders "the world is watching" as they sign an historic agreement to combat climate change.

The actor, who used his Oscar acceptance speech in February to highlight the seriousness of climate change, addressed world leaders at the UN headquarters in New York before they signed the Paris Agreement, a treaty which requires them to cut carbon emissions.

"Our planet cannot be saved unless we leave fossil fuels in the ground where they belong," DiCaprio said.

"After 21 years of debates and conferences, it is time to declare no more talk, no more excuses, no more 10-year studies, no more allowing the fossil fuel companies to manipulate and dictate the science and policies that effect our future," he added.

"This is the body that can do what is needed. All of you sitting in this very hall," he continued. "The world is now watching. You will either be lauded by future generations or vilified by them."

A total of 171 countries signed the Paris Agreement on Saturday, a record number for the first day of an international treaty.