Leonardo DiCaprio has been criticised for taking a private jet from Cannes to New York to pick up an environmental award – before jetting back to Cannes to continue partying.

The actor, who in February used his Oscar acceptance speech to demand greater action to combat climate change, was honoured for his activism in New York on Wednesday.

Along with the designer Ralph Lauren, DiCaprio was given a "Big Fish" award by Riverkeeper, which works to protect New York's rivers.

Robert De Niro was commended for promoting environmental causes through film, while Sting entertained guests.

DiCaprio's foundation pledged $15 million to environmental causes at this year's World Economic Forum, and during his Oscar acceptance speech, he said, "Climate change is real. It is happening right now, it is the most urgent threat facing our entire species."

s

But less than 24 hours after being praised for his environmental concern, the 41-year-old was once again seen partying in Cannes, giving a speech at an Aids awareness gala.

A source close to Mr DiCaprio said that the actor did not charter his own flights, but merely "hitched a ride with someone already flying back and to Cannes.

"Hitching a ride was the only way he could make it in time for both events."

But New York tabloids mocked the star, who in April addressed the UN and called for "bold, unprecedented action" on climate change.

"Left Winger," screamed the headline of the New York Post, with a front page photo showing the actor surrounded by a group of glamorous women and the title: "Leo takes private jet from Cannes to NYC and back for 'green' award."

It is not the first time he has been criticised for his penchant for private jets.

In 2014 he was attacked for using a private jet six times in six weeks, flying between New York and LA.

Di Caprio delivered an impasssioned speech about the environment at the Oscars Credit: Getty Images

Robert Rapier, an environmental analyst, said the lifestyle "diminishes his moral authority to lecture others on reducing their own carbon emissions."

He continued: "He demonstrates exactly why our consumption of fossil fuels continues to grow. "It's because everyone loves the combination of cost and convenience they offer. Alternatives usually require sacrifice of one form or another."

And he said Mr DiCaprio's schedule was no excuse. "Everybody says, 'I've got a good reason for consuming what I consume.' It's the exact same rationalisation for billions of people."

View more!