Arnold Schwarzenegger tells environmentalists dismayed by Trump to 'stop whining' and get to work

VIENNA, AUSTRIA: Arnold Schwarzenegger had a stern but inspiring message for environmentalists dismayed by the Donald Trump administration’s climate rollbacks at the Austrian World Summit in Vienna: 'Stop whining'.

On June 3, the former California governor and longtime environmental advocate emphasized that meaningful change often starts at the local level, where most pollution reduction occurs.

Pointing to real-world examples like electric buses and solar-powered schools, Schwarzenegger urged individuals and communities to lead the charge, regardless of federal resistance. Instead of blame, he called for bold, positive action to drive progress and inspire change.

Arnold Schwarzenegger motivates environmentalists to 'rise up and get to work'

Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered a candid message to environmentalists dismayed by President Donald Trump’s approach to climate policy.

Under the new administration, key Biden-era environmental initiatives have been dismantled, regulations rolled back, funding for climate projects withdrawn, and support for oil and gas expanded under the banner of "American energy dominance." 

Speaking at the Austrian World Summit in Vienna, a climate conference he co-organizes, Schwarzenegger shared, "Stop whining, Whining doesn’t change anything. Whining doesn’t build anything. I know that sometimes politicians in Washington, DC, or many other capitals of the world won’t always agree with everything that we do and that we believe in.” 

He added, "I know this sounds a little bit like a motivational speech, rather than a speech about the environment—but you know why—because it is," as per Fortune.

“Lately, every time I talk to environmentalists and to policy people, they say to me, ‘Arnold, I mean, what is the point of fighting for a clean environment when the government of the United States says climate change is a hoax and coal and oil is the future, when the politicians in Washington don’t care,’" he said.

He emphasized, "The world will always have problems and leaders who don’t agree with us, or are just terrible leaders. We have seen it over and over again throughout history, but sometimes problems need to be solved by the people. Sometimes the people need to rise up and get to work.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger urges people to make real progress

Further in his speech Arnold Schwarzenegger emphasized that real progress often happens at the local and regional levels, where roughly 70% of pollution reduction occurs.

Citing efforts from his time as California’s governor, Schwarzenegger urged action from all sectors - mayors converting buses to electric, CEOs moving away from fossil fuels, schools installing solar panels.

“You can't just sit around and make excuses because one guy in a very nice White House on Pennsylvania Avenue doesn't agree with you,” he said.

While refraining from directly criticizing any US president abroad, Schwarzenegger stressed that action—not complaints—is the key to winning public support.

“I know that the people are sick and tired of the whining and the complaining and the doom and gloom,” he said. “The only way we win the people's hearts and minds is by showing them action that makes their lives better."

Internet has mixed reactions to Arnold Schwarzenegger's speech

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s speech urging environmentalists to “stop whining and get to work” sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with users expressing a mix of support and criticism.

One user agreed, "That’s how it always works. Always."

Another person slammed, "Arnold is just another obtuse, champagne socialist who only cares about his green investments …full stop!"

A commenter wrote, "Well most power head of state says the environment ♻️ drama is just a hoax nothing else and in real world maybe it is a hoax and being used for political and strategic gains 😜"

One user praised, "It is a good message, and I agree with him that there is plenty that can be done at the state and local levels.  But climate change is such a massive issue, that there really does need to be leadership and guidance at the Federal and International levels in order to have an effect. With the current administration denying modern science, there is good cause to complain."

Another speaker added, "He's exactly right. Climate activists need to simply stop driving and using any oil based products."

A commenter asked, "Ask Arnold about all of his massive gas guzzling climate change vehicles he owns and drives and how many private jets he flies on frequently."

An individual added, "This is more gaslighting from the wealthy elite who literally cause 99% of all pollution and global warming activities with their businesses. Don't fall for it. Those with the levers of power have known about global warming since the 70s and have done literally nothing. 🥴🥴"

The last user shared, "They're whining but they take private jets, drive cars to work instead of walking, have kids, all those not so good for earth."

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