COP26: Arnold Schwarzenegger irritated by the climate policies of world leaders

Arnold Schwarzenegger says leaders who say fighting climate change harms the economy are “stupid or liars”.

Ahead of the COP26 climate summit, the former California governor told the BBC that reducing carbon emissions will benefit global economies.

The Terminator actor said reducing his meat intake doesn’t have to mean sacrificing anything – instead cutting his own made him healthier.

It also targeted the pollution caused by international trade.

In a wide-ranging interview for BBC Radio 4’s 39 Ways to Save the Planet series, Schwarzenegger said that California’s continued economic success and prolific job creation demonstrate that carbon reduction and increased wealth go hand in hand.

“They’re liars, they’re stupid. Or they don’t know how to do it, because we’ve figured out how to do it and it’s just about having the balls to do it,” he argued.

Schwarzenegger became a champion of clean air and renewable energy while he was governor between 2003 and 2011, setting goals to reduce exhaust gases and greenhouse gas emissions.

Since leaving office he has used his fame and influence to promote carbon reduction policies, particularly with the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.

Mr. Schwarzenegger is also critical of an environmental agenda focused on lifestyle sacrifice.

The former bodybuilder champion claims to have reduced his meat intake by about three-quarters in recent years, but claims he is “gaining” as a result.

“Since I ate more vegetables and plant-based foods, my cardiologist said my arteries have stopped narrowing,” she said.

“So how did I give up on something? I gained my health, it gave me two more years.”

Schwarzenegger also believes technology is providing solutions and cites his Hummer – a huge military-style off-roader – which has gone from diesel to battery as proof, as the electric version goes faster with more power.

Read more about the COP26 Summit here.

He expressed particular concern about air pollution and greenhouse gases from shipping and suggested that the most important thing we can do as individuals to reduce carbon is to shop locally.

“Buy local products. Whenever you buy something from abroad, it’s bad for the environment – it’s the worst thing you can do.”

When asked if, as a Republican politician, he should support the global capitalism that drives this type of trade, Schwarzenegger dismissed this characterization.

“You can have competition but you have to be smart about it … because if people are dead, they are dead. It’s over.”

He plans to attend the climate talks in Glasgow next week, but he doesn’t have much faith in the top-down system, preferring to see the solution come from popular pressure and technological change.

However, Schwarzenegger remains optimistic and still believes: “There is no destiny but what we do for ourselves”.

You can listen to Arnold Schwarzenegger full interview on BBC Sounds.