Vatican Appeal: "Pollution Kills"

American actor, politician and activist Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered a strong message at a press conference held at the Vatican: "pollution kills" children and adults alike. The former governor of California called for individual and local involvement in reducing pollution, warning that the issue is more urgent than simply discussing climate change, reports EFE. Schwarzenegger stressed that seven million people die annually due to pollution. "Let's talk about this, not about rising sea levels or melting ice. We are killing children," said the actor, calling for a clear and direct formulation of the problem. In his opinion, the real objective is to eliminate fossil fuels and drastically reduce pollution.

• Criticism of climate summits

Speaking of his experience at COP21 in Paris, Schwarzenegger criticized the lack of action by governments: "All these countries signed, celebrated and drank French champagne. Now we find that 70% have not kept their promises.” He warned that while international conferences are useful for dialogue, real solutions must be implemented locally and individually. Schwarzenegger recalled the period when he led the state of California, where ambitious environmental laws were adopted. The secret of success, he says, was communicating with the people and building a public consensus. "You need people to follow you. You can't pass all those laws without the support of the population,” he stressed. At the international conference "Raising Hope for Climate Justice,” held in Castel Gandolfo, Schwarzenegger praised the involvement of the Church and the Vatican. "They have installed solar panels on the roofs and it will be the first sustainable state, with zero emissions and carbon neutrality. That means action,” he said.

Brazilian Cardinal Jaime Spengler completed the message, calling Schwarzenegger "the idol of our youth” and emphasizing that "the ecological crisis is also a crisis of confidence.” He called for firm decisions that produce visible results for future generations, especially in view of COP30, which will be held in Brazil in November 2025.

The event marks 10 years since Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si” and brings together religious, political and scientific leaders.