Schwarzenegger says states key to climate fight

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says countries cannot solve the problem of climate change without the help of states, cities, regions, activists, scientists and universities.
15/12/2009 - In a speech planned Tuesday before the UN climate conference in Copenhagen, Schwarzenegger will encourage international agreements but say that won't be enough to combat global warming.

"The world's governments alone cannot make the progress that is needed on global climate change," Schwarzenegger says in remarks prepared for delivery at the 192-nation conference. "They need the cities, the states, the provinces, the regions. They need the corporations, the activists, the scientists, the universities."

President Barack Obama and more than 100 other national leaders were heading to Copenhagen in hopes of forging the framework of a plan to limit the causes of global warming.

Schwarzenegger was invited to address the conference to highlight the efforts of states and other local governments, said his spokesman, Aaron McLear.

Schwarzenegger committed California to cutting greenhouse gas emissions three years ago.

California is on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, about a 30 percent cut from projected emissions. The statewide mandate was the first in the United States.

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Schwarzenegger says go carefully on climate change California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says world policymakers do not have to choose between a clean environment and economic growth.

15/12/2009 - Schwarzengger said "we've proved that over and over again in California." - Interviewed by ABC television from the Copenhagen conference, the Austrian-born former film star said he thinks world leaders may be risking setbacks by pushing so aggressively for an accommodation on curbs to heat-trapping emissions.

Schwarzenegger said that people worried about climate change should pay more attention to companies, universities and "ordinary folks" and not put so much emphasis on a multinational consensus.

He also said poor nations have a right to demand that the richer countries help them to meet tougher pollution standards.

Da UNFCCC