Schwarzenegger demands at the Austrian World Summit: More action, less whining!”

Schwarzenegger demands at the Austrian World Summit: More action, less whining!”

On June 3, 2025, the ninth “Austrian World Summit” took place in the Vienna Hofburg. The event was dedicated to urgently finding solutions for a greener future and attracted 1,500 participants from over 80 countries. Under the motto “Unite in Action – Terminate Pollution”, the summit provided a platform for international leadership on climate protection issues. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the founder of the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative and patron of the event, called for more “action” and less “whispering” in his opening speech.

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen opened the conference with an impressive comparison of the current climate crisis with a science fiction scenario. He emphasized the need for collective action: “If we want to save the planet, we must act.” Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) also appealed to those present to put what unites them above what divides them. He committed to Austria's climate neutrality by 2040 and emphasized the importance of climate protection measures for economic development.

The focus on emergency services

A central theme of this year's summit was first responders, who play a critical role in climate-related emergencies. The emergency services presented included Vienna firefighter Viktoria Zechmeister and firefighter Captain Dom Bei from Santa Monica, who were recognized for their courageous actions against the devastating effects of climate change. This recognition demonstrates the urgency and relevance of the challenges facing the world, be they wildfires, floods or extreme weather events.

Around 500 students from all over Austria also took part in the conference, highlighting the importance of the next generation in the fight against climate change. The world premiere of the new song “I’ll be Back” by The BossHoss with Schwarzenegger also took place on stage, which can be interpreted as part of the calls for more action and commitment in the climate debate.

Joint efforts for climate protection

The event was not only a forum for politicians and investors, but also highlighted the need for measures that require commitment from politics, industry and business. Citizens can also contribute to reducing greenhouse gases and easing the burden on the environment and climate with little effort. By implementing climate protection strategies, such as those set out in the Paris Agreement, it shows that every individual is capable of bringing about positive change.

The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative emphasizes the importance of global collaboration to effectively address the challenges of climate change. The “Austrian World Summit” 2025 represents a significant step towards a sustainable future that is characterized by both political and social dimensions. A joint effort that can make a decisive contribution to future generations.