When it comes to seeking climate solutions, former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has some suggestions: Don’t call it “climate change” because that’s “really stupid.” And don’t use President Donald Trump as an excuse for not taking action.
Such was the advice the Hollywood movie star gave to a roomful of environmentalists and educators who were at USC on Thursday, April 10, for an Aspen Institute summit focused on the role that media and education can play in developing children’s climate literacy.
-
Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says using the term “pollution” is more relatable than talking about “climate change” as he speaks with Willow Bay, dean of the USC Annenberg School, during a Planet Media Summit with the Aspen Institute at USC in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
1 of 4
Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says using the term “pollution” is more relatable than talking about “climate change” as he speaks with Willow Bay, dean of the USC Annenberg School, during a Planet Media Summit with the Aspen Institute at USC in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Expand
Schwarzenegger, who in 2006 signed the California Global Warming Solutions Act as governor and who later launched the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative in Vienna, said the term “climate change” is “really stupid” because its meaning is unclear, and words like “carbon neutrality” tend to go over people’s heads.
If you really want people to pay attention to the planet, it’s best to speak plainly and frame your messages around the idea of “pollution,” he said during a conversation with Willow Bay, dean of USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
When he was governor, Schwarzenegger said, his administration raised concerns about melting icebergs and rising sea levels, but polls showed those messages did little to move the needle. Then they started talking about pollution in terms of health, linking it to childhood asthma, and that got results.
“People paid attention because they said, ‘Oh my God. I don’t want my kids to get sick and die,’” said Schwarzenegger.
His other advice to those seeking climate solutions?
Don’t use the current president as an excuse for not improving the environment, said the former Republican governor.
Schwarzenegger said President George W. Bush’s administration wasn’t supportive of California’s efforts to impose stricter air regulations, but that didn’t stop the state from installing solar rooftops and taking other actions to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 25%.
“We didn’t wait for the federal government or for the president to do it,” Schwarzenegger said about reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He said the majority of environmental policies can be determined by local and state governments without needing permission from federal officials.
“Never use the excuse of Trump” for inaction, Schwarzenegger said. “Every individual has the power. … Just move forward and then nothing should ever stop us.”
With a number of educators in the audience, Schwarzenegger was asked what they could do to inspire students to take more ownership in addressing climate issues.
Too often, young people are inundated with “doom and gloom” messages about the environment or bombarded with other people’s opinions about what can or can’t be done from what they see and hear on social media, he said.
“We have to empower young people and let them know, ‘Turn this (phone) off and start thinking for yourself. … You have the power to create change,’” he said.
At the end of their half-hour conversation, Schwarzenegger was asked what motivates him to advocate for climate solutions.
The star of “The Terminator” box office hits had a two-word response ready. The goal, he said, is to “terminate pollution.”
Originally Published:
