Arnold Schwarzenegger urges for a new environmentalism focused on rapid growth and building during a speech at the Austrian World Summit. As a former governor of California, Schwarzenegger reflects on the state’s progress in solar energy, green startups, and stronger emissions standards. He challenges outdated environmental thinking and highlights the health dangers of air pollution. The “Terminator” star calls for embracing clean energy growth, faster project approvals, and eliminating red tape that hinders progress. Schwarzenegger emphasizes that growth no longer has to be powered by fossil fuels, with solar and wind now cheaper than coal power and electric car models on the rise.
California’s green energy progress
In his speech at the Austrian World Summit, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former California governor, reflects on the green energy progress made in the state during his tenure. He shares his experience of plugging in a massive solar roof on a 180,000 square foot warehouse at the port in Los Angeles, which was made possible by California’s million solar roofs initiative. Schwarzenegger also proudly recalls various startups in the state that are working on innovative clean energy solutions such as robots, clean cement, sustainable seafood, and power generation from algae and waves.
Moving the environmental movement forward
Pointing out the need for change, Schwarzenegger urges environmentalists to focus on building and growing in a sustainable way. He notes that the old environmental movement was afraid of growth and opposed to building, often resorting to protests and legal battles to halt new developments. However, Schwarzenegger asserts that times have changed, and growth no longer has to be powered by fossil fuels, with alternatives like solar and wind now cheaper than coal power and a steady increase in electric vehicle models.
Challenges faced by clean energy projects
The former governor highlights the numerous clean energy projects in the United States and Europe that are waiting to be implemented, held back by bureaucracy, lack of permits, and outdated transmission lines. For instance, solar projects in Europe face wait times of up to four years, while wind projects can take up to 10 years. This delay in the implementation of clean energy projects puts the goals of reducing pollution and addressing climate change at risk.
Call for action: Building a clean energy future
Schwarzenegger calls for a new environmentalism that focuses on rapidly building clean energy projects and overcoming the red tape that hinders progress. He appeals to governments worldwide to clear the path for green projects and terminate pollution. Environmentalists are urged to move past the old ways and embrace a new approach based on clean energy growth. He emphasizes that “change is never easy, but this is an emergency, and this emergency demands action”.
Examples of progress and innovation
The Austrian World Summit showcases young entrepreneurs and innovative ideas for a sustainable future. Examples include a Finnish company using sand batteries for district heating, a digital tool for waste management from India, rural energy solutions from Nigeria, and a wave power plant from Israel. The event involves 400 school students, encouraging their participation and sharing of ideas. Such initiatives demonstrate that innovation and collaboration are crucial for building a greener future.
A new environmentalism slogan: Move fast and build things
With lives at stake and time running out, Schwarzenegger calls for a new environmentalism slogan: “Move fast and build things”. He believes that building a clean and abundant energy future requires rapid action, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles, and fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, and individuals. As he puts it, “Build better. Build cleaner. Build now. Build, build, build. We can do it. We have the power.”
