‘Cause no one gives a s— about that.’ – Arnold Schwarzenegger: Climate Change Needs a Fresh Approach to Engage People
In a recent interview, Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed his belief that the global effort to combat climate change is hindered by a fundamental communication problem. The actor, bodybuilder, and former governor of California emphasized the need to reframe the conversation and focus on the issue of pollution rather than solely discussing global climate change.
During an interview with CBS’ “Sunday Morning,” Schwarzenegger stated, “As long as they keep talking about global climate change, they are not gonna go anywhere. ‘Cause no one gives a s— about that.” He suggested that a more effective approach would be to emphasize the link between pollution and climate change, highlighting the detrimental impact of pollution on human health.
Schwarzenegger, who served as the host of the Austrian World Summit 2023, a global climate change conference, has been actively involved in raising awareness about climate change. He expressed his commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) worldwide, explaining that he considers it essential for both personal and planetary well-being.
Global warming is primarily attributed to increased GHG levels, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), in the atmosphere. Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil releases carbon dioxide. In recent years, there has been a growing momentum in the fight against climate change, with global investments in clean energy surpassing those in fossil fuels, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The IEA’s report revealed that in 2023, approximately $1.7 trillion is expected to be invested in clean technologies, such as renewables, electric vehicles, nuclear power, energy grids, storage, low-emission fuels, efficiency improvements, and heat pumps. This investment surpasses the estimated $1 trillion expected to go into coal, gas, and oil.
Despite these efforts, global carbon emissions continue to rise. In March, the IEA reported a 1% increase in energy-related emissions in 2022, which was lower than anticipated. The Global Carbon Project, an international scientific collaboration that measures carbon emissions, warned in its annual update that there is a 50% chance that global warming will exceed the Paris Climate Accord target of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels within the next nine years.
Efforts to address climate change have been met with increased public concern, although significant divisions remain. In the United States, a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that 54% of adults consider climate change a major threat to the country’s well-being. However, there is a significant partisan split, with 78% of Democrats perceiving climate change as a major threat compared to only 23% of Republicans.
Schwarzenegger recently published an op-ed in USA Today, where he called for a new approach to environmentalism that embraces growth and clean energy projects. He emphasized the importance of building and implementing clean energy solutions swiftly, advocating for a shift from the old environmentalist mindset that hindered progress through protests and legal battles.
His perspective highlights the need for effective communication strategies to engage a broader audience in the fight against climate change. By reframing the conversation around pollution and its consequences, he hopes to spark action and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.
We agree.
Source: CNBC
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