Actor and environmental activist calls for urgent action at the Austrian World Summit
Arnold Schwarzenegger called on members of his climate forum to “stop the bleeding” in a powerful speech at the opening of the eighth Austrian World Summit in Vienna on Thursday. The summit, founded by Schwarzenegger in 2017, aims to bring together people from various sectors to address the climate crisis.
Speaking to the gathered leaders, activists, and business representatives, the 76-year-old actor and environmental advocate urged immediate action to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Whatever it takes,” he declared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Schwarzenegger painted a hopeful vision of a cleaner, healthier planet, where future generations could enjoy fresh air and pristine natural spaces, free from the pollution caused by fossil fuels.
Drawing on his long history of environmental campaigning, including his time as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger stressed the importance of collective action. He recalled his role in signing the Global Warming Solutions Act in 2006, which created the first cap on greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., and shared his personal commitment to reducing his carbon footprint.
The summit also featured a presentation of DreamScapes, a documentary narrated by Kate Winslet as Mother Earth, which showcases the beauty of our planet and emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation. Klemens Hallmann, the Austrian entrepreneur and film director behind the documentary, described it as a counterpoint to the usual climate disaster films, focusing instead on the natural wonders we must protect.
Schwarzenegger concluded his address by urging the forum’s attendees to use their power and expertise to tackle the climate emergency head-on. “Save our children, save the planet, save our future,” he said.
