Leonardo DiCaprio challenges sceptics on climate change

Leonardo Dicaprio attends the premiere of National Geographic Channel's "Before The Flood," at the United Nations. Photo / AP

Tackling climate change is the "biggest economic opportunity" in US history, no matter who holds political office, Leonardo DiCaprio says.

"There are a few, very prominent people that still deny the overwhelming conclusions of the world's scientists that climate change is largely human-caused and needs immediate urgent attention," the Hollywood star told a UN awards ceremony.

But the truth about climate change had spread like "wildfire", he said.

DiCaprio's comments, as he received a prize for his work as a global citizen, did not name US President-elect Donald Trump but were a veiled reference to his views and climate-sceptic Cabinet members with oil industry ties.

DiCaprio, 42, and the head of his foundation met Trump and his team earlier this month, reportedly arguing that support for renewable energy could create millions of jobs.

Trump has suggested climate change is a hoax and raised the possibility of withdrawing US support for a new global accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"In less than 100 years of our pollution-based prosperity, we humans have put our entire existence in jeopardy," warned DiCaprio, who released his own documentary Before the Flood on global warming two months ago.

The actor said his documentary was the most viewed "in history ... [showing] just how much the world cares about" climate change.

But he said the battle to address it was far from over, calling on the world to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change, which came into effect in November, and to "go further".

"To those who may be discouraged by nay-sayers, let me remind you, the environmental awakening is all over the world and the progress we have made so far ... has always been because of people, not governments."

- AAP