1,500 participants from all over the world gathered on Tuesday at the ninth “Austrian World Summit” by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Vienna Hofburg to find ways for a more climate-friendly future. Schwarzenegger called once again in his opening speech for more “action” and less “complaining.” “People are tired of doom-and-gloom. They want hope, they want leadership,” he said.
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who has supported the Summit from the beginning, compared the current situation to a science fiction scenario: “Imagine: All over the world — here in Vienna too — the sky suddenly darkens. From the clouds, UFOs with hostile aliens emerge, beginning to attack Earth,” sketched the head of state. In the films, humanity would recognize the threat and come together to confront the danger collectively. “Perhaps there is a grain of truth in this fiction,” Van der Bellen suggested.
“Even in the climate emergency, there can be only one solution together. When survival is at stake, it no longer matters what opinions divide us. What counts is that everyone participates. If we want to save the planet, we must act,” said the Federal President.
Stocker for Climate Protection and Economy
Also Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) called to place what unites us above what divides us. “Only together can we work on a better future — ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable.” It is important to take a positive view of the climate issue and focus on solutions.
Politics has the task of setting the right course: climate protection measures must go hand in hand with economic development. It is not about sacrifice, but about innovation. Once again, the Chancellor committed to climate neutrality by 2040.
Schwarzenegger Meets a New Chancellor Every Year
Schwarzenegger noted one peculiarity of Austrian domestic politics. “Every year, you come here and see a new Chancellor. I have met them all,” said the actor. “But you are without a doubt the most current,” he joked in Stocker’s direction.
Then former British Prime Minister Tony Blair joined Schwarzenegger on stage. According to Blair, what is needed above all is the right communication, since adequate climate technology already exists: “Ultimately, people want a world without pollution. The task of leaders is to convince them that what they want can be achieved.” The former prime minister saw potential, among other things, in artificial intelligence but also in the use of nuclear energy.
EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra underlined the role of the EU. “In fact, we now have a great opportunity to solve many of the problems we face. By strengthening our position as a clean superpower, the EU will boost its competitiveness and productivity and create enormous benefits for our citizens,” said Hoekstra.
Emergency Responders in the Spotlight
Although the guest list was very prominent, including Blair and former tennis ace Dominic Thiem, this year’s Summit focused primarily on emergency responders who fight the effects of the climate crisis on the front lines. For example, Vienna Fire Department officer Viktoria Zechmeister and Firefighter Captain Dom Bei from Santa Monica (California) spoke. Both were deployed in extreme weather events last year. Zechmeister was in service during the major floods in Austria last summer, while Bei responded to the large wildfires in Los Angeles.
500 Students from All Over Austria
Another focus was on involving young people. Around 500 students from all over Austria also took part in the conference. There was also a musical highlight: on the Summit stage, the world premiere of the new song “I’ll be Back” by The BossHoss featuring Schwarzenegger was on the program.
