Arnold in Delhi: Will terminate climate change once and for all

New Delhi, February 5

Hollywood action-movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday said he would be a "terminator" for climate change and asked state governments to follow Narendra Modi's "actions" as Gujarat Chief Minister to achieve sustainable development goals.

The former California governor, who has earned a reputation as a climate change activist, thanked and lauded Prime Minister Modi for his work, including as Chief Minister of Gujarat, to push for sustainable development and clean energy.

He said "Gujarat is California of India" and Modi had certainly created "good action".

Appreciating the progress made by Gujarat on climate change front, he said this showed that the state governments have tremendous power with them and they need not wait for the Central government for any action.

The film star, who is also the chair of R20 Regions of Climate Action - a non-profit organisation - was addressing the 15th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) organised by the Energy Resource Institute (TERI).

"This is a challenge of our time and that is why I am on a crusade for a sustainable future and terminate climate change once and for all," Schwarzenegger said.

The film-star turned American politician expressed hope that India, under Modi's leadership, would play a key role in the UN climate negotiations in Paris in December this year.

"I know that India would be a big player in negotiations and I trust that the Prime Minister would do everything that he can," he said.

The United Nations is pushing for an international climate agreement in Paris later this year that will limit global warming to two degrees Celsius over pre-Industrial Revolution levels.

Schwarzenegger also praised India's recent objective of achieving 100 GW solar energy target in five years.

"I promise you...I would continue my crusade, I would continue the firing, I would never give up... till create a green and sustainable energy future," said Schwarzenegger. — PTI