At the 10th Austrian World Summit in Vienna, Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered a clear message: “Terminate pollution.”
Photo credit: Albert Reiter / ESG.Guide
Arnold Schwarzenegger - 10th Austrian World Summit
This year’s theme, “We Are Unstoppable,” reflected the momentum behind the global energy transition. Speakers highlighted how renewable energy capacity continues to grow across major economies, while technological innovation is driving significant efficiency gains.
Arnold Schwarzenegger criticized the current U.S. administration, arguing that governments should protect people from pollution rather than weaken environmental protections.
At the same time, data presented at the summit showed encouraging trends: U.S. emissions are projected to be 35% below 2005 levels by 2035, with states, cities, and businesses playing a critical role in driving progress.
One milestone stood out: for the first time in U.S. history, solar energy production surpassed coal generation during a month. As Schwarzenegger stated: “This is the future. We are unstoppable.”
Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized that renewable energy is increasingly the most economical choice: “We have proven that renewable energy is cheaper. That is also one of the reasons why this development is unstoppable.” She also highlighted the need for investment in energy efficiency, data centers powered by renewable energy, and modernization of the U.S. electricity grid.
U.S. Public Pension Funds Leaders in Sustainability Investments
California’s large public pension funds are leaders in applying sustainable investment strategies. But other states also invest in renewable energy. Texas is the nationwide leader in wind energy generation, generating 29% of the nation's total wind production (as per March 2026). A number of states in the U.S. is growing their renewable energy capacity.
CalPERS (California Public Employees Retirement System, US$ 560 bn) has been managing a climate action program since 2008 and its current commitment to climate solutions is US$ 100 billion – one of the world’s biggest action plans to capitalize on new opportunites created by the move to a low-carbon economy.
CalSTRS (California State Teachers‘ Retirement System, US$ 420 bn) is managing a very ambitious sustainable investment and stewardship strategy guiding their net zero portfolio emissions strategy.
10 Years Austrian World Summit (AWS)
The Austrian World Summit (AWS) celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and represents a global platform for constructive dialogue, discussions and sharing perspectives. AWS is organised by the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative and was initiated by Monika Langthaler (3rd from right).
Speakers and guests of this year’s AWS included (from left) EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kamala Harris, the 49th Vice President of the United States of America, Federal President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Christian Stocker, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management Norbert Totschnig and Minnesota‘s Governor Tim Walz.
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