Schwarzenegger goes green

2005-07-03 08:50

London - California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote a commentary in Britain on Sunday calling for urgent action to fight climate change ahead of a summit of world leaders, including US President George W Bush.

In an appeal that contradicted Bush's own stand on global warming, Schwarzenegger, who hails from the same Republican party as the president, used an article in the Independent on Sunday to warn of the dangers.

"The debate is over," wrote the governor of the US's most populous and most economically powerful state. "We know the science. We see the threat posed by changes in our climate. And we know the time for action is now."

Schwarzenegger pointedly called on "governments everywhere" to join action to combat climate change. Leaders of the Group of Eight leading industrial countries are holding a summit in Scotland starting Wednesday.

And the California governor and Hollywood actor insisted - in contradiction to Bush's public position - that such action will boost, rather than damage, the US economy.

"Global warming threatens California's water supply, public health, agriculture, coastlines and forests - our entire economy and way of life," he wrote. "We have no choice but to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Schwarzenegger showcased California's development of hydrogen fuel technology and renewable energy sources under his administration, as well as steps to cut engine emissions and electricity use in state facilities.

By 2050, California aims to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels - a target even more ambitious than the 60% goal set by Prime Minister Tony Blair for Britain.

Schwarzenegger wrote: "These steps are great for the environment but great for our economy, too. Many people have falsely assumed that you have to choose between protecting the environment and protecting the economy.

"Nothing could be further from the truth. In California, we will do both," he concluded.

- SAPA