THE SCHWARZENEGGER CLIMATE INITIATIVE
focuses on:
- building awareness of the climate crisis and the urgent need for action every day and once a year at our AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT (AWS). The AWS, entering its fifth year, has become one of the largest environmental gatherings in the world and provides a platform for highlighting concrete solutions and measures from global decision-makers committed to preserving a healthy planet and decarbonizing the economy by 2050.
- presenting workable solutions from all over the world and connecting these ideas to available technical and financial resources.
- supporting best in class climate protection projects from all over the world.
- serving as a "matchmaker" - we connect players from business, finance, NGOs and local & national governments committed to collaborating on sustainable projects.
Please find here information about our annual AWS: program draft, preliminary list of speakers, partners, etc.
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We talk to real Climate Action Heros, who are role models and inspire more and more people to become enthusiastic about active climate protection.
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Showcasing successful best practice projects for climate protection and sustainable development from all around the globe
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Latest News
April 13, 2021
Fast Fashion vs. Fair Fashion
The facts and figures are frightening. The fashion industry is - and very few people know this - the second largest polluter in the world. It is one of those industries in which consumption has grown rapidly in recent decades. About 60 percent more clothing was purchased in 2018 than in 2000! The life of a garment is short: 60 percent of all clothing is thrown away again within a year of its manufacture. In total, this amounts to almost 6 million tons of clothing per year in Europe alone. Next to a massive pile of garbage, fashion production makes up 10% of global carbon emissions and pollutes rivers and oceans with microplastics amongst other toxic chemicals. Moreover, it dries up water sources. The production of one cotton T-shirt consumes approximately 2,500 liters of water. That is roughly equivalent to 20 full bathtubs. This has consequences not only for our planet but also for our health especially for those who work in the textile factories.
These problems require massive changes. It is therefore important to raise awareness for the alternatives. Monika Langthaler, Director of the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative will shine a light on the issue of fair fashion and the power of consumers at the next AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT, which will take place in Vienna on July 1st. "We can all make a difference with our daily choices. There are already many options and we as consumers can help shape the world by making the right choices."
Just a few examples: Buying sustainable, high-quality products, that will last for years instead of buying a new cheap shirt every few weeks is not only better for the environment, but also saves money in the long term. To identify these sustainable products, there are labels which help customers, such as GOTS or fairtrade. Fair fashion is becoming a trend and many upcoming fashion labels and brands are experimenting with new innovative materials and approaches. Another important factor is to look for other alternatives than always buying “new” clothes like secondhand shops or platforms for swapping and lending clothes and accessories. For good examples you can check out our latest fashion climate action stories at
February 4, 2021
Joe Biden’s Climate Action Team
The new US president Joe Biden moved fast on climate change policies as soon as he took office: first he initiated the United States' re-entry into the Paris Climate Agreement, then he signed a climate-related executive order suspending new oil and gas leases on public lands, directed federal agencies to purchase electric cars by the thousands and is seeking to end fossil-fuel subsidies. He announced that climate change will be at the centre of his national security and foreign policy. President Biden clearly showed that he does not want to lose any more time and is also prepared to spend a lot of money on fighting the climate crisis. His team for this enormous task is top of the class. But see for yourself:
John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate: This position was created specifically for the former Secretary of State and places John Kerry at the heart of the Biden Administration's environmental, national security and diplomatic efforts. Kerry has a seat on the National Security Council and will have wide latitude to shape and promote President Biden’s climate response.
Deb Haaland, Secretary of the Interior:
Haaland was a member of the House of Representatives on the Committee on Natural Resources. Her position is central to implementing the new goal of protecting 30% of America's land and oceans by 2030.
Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Energy:
The introduction and development of renewable energy and storage technologies will be at the heart of Granholm's energy ministry. She describes herself as a "clean energy advocate".
Gina McCarthy, national climate advisor: President Biden created the new White House Office of Climate Policy and placed President Obama’s former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy at the helm of the new office. McCarthy is known for her straight talk and considerable experience as an environmental regulator. McCarthy will work quickly to reinstate many of the Obama-era climate policies and executive orders that the Trump Administration dismantled.
Michael Regan, EPA Administrator: Michael Regan was a surprise pick for the job but was elevated to the position because of his success leading the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and his strong track record championing environmental justice issues. He will be heavily focused on bring equity and fairness to the to the EPA's regulatory efforts.
Liane Randolph, Chair, California Air Resource Board: Randolph is not a member of the White House’s climate team but holds one of the United State’s leading environmental regulatory positions. The California Air Resources board is considered by most people to be the second most important environmental regulator in America and often pushes the federal government to be more ambitious in setting environmental quality standards. Randolph, new to the role, is expected to prioritize environmental justice and equity.
Brenda Mallory, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality-CEQ.
Mallory, an environmental lawyer, will play an important role in implementing environmental and climate law. Under the Biden administration, the CEQ could act as a brake on environmentally damaging projects, such as pipeline construction.
February 1, 2021
Bosco Children Center in Ethiopia
An aid project in Ethiopia by "Jugend Eine Welt" is making a sustainable impact: At the Bosco Children Center near the capital Addis Ababa, former street children are given a new perspective. They are not only given emotional support and social care, but - depending on their age – receive regular school lessons or vocational training. The Bosco Children Center relies primarily on sustainable, future-oriented areas and technologies. There are courses and training courses on local vegetable and food production as well as on renewable and decentralized energy supply. The number of street children in Ethiopia has increased significantly over the past twenty years. An estimated 17,000 children live unaccompanied in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. The Bosco Children Center not only cares for the future of these children and adolescents, but also lays an important foundation for the future of Ethiopia and thus contributes to a "green recovery" from the difficult situation in this African country, which has worsened by the corona crisis. The actions create an efficient system of rehabilitation and social reintegration. The project has particularly impressed the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, which is why we will continue supporting it.