As we reflect on 2025, one message stands out clearly: when people come together with purpose, meaningful change becomes possible. Throughout the year, the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative (SCI) expanded its global reach, strengthened strategic partnerships, and supported concrete climate solutions across continents. What united all these efforts was a shared conviction: pollution can be terminated—but only together.
A Global Gathering for Climate Action
A central highlight of the year was the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT 2025, which brought together 1,500 participants from 60 countries and all seven continents. Under the powerful motto “Unite in Action: Terminate Pollution”, leaders from politics, business, civil society, science, and culture came together in Vienna to exchange ideas, showcase solutions, and build alliances for climate action.
Record-Breaking Support for Climate and Community
2025 also marked a milestone in fundraising. The annual Schwarzenegger Fundraising Dinner raised a record €1.55 million to support the work of the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. In addition, €37,000 were raised for the Tyrolean Mountain Rescue, underlining the strong connection between climate action and community resilience.
Turning Awareness into Everyday Action
With the Pump for the Planet campaign, SCI focused on helping people develop long-lasting green habits. The campaign reached millions worldwide, translating abstract climate goals into practical, everyday actions and empowering individuals to become part of the solution.
Showcasing Nature-Based Solutions
At the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT Solutions Hub, SCI and its partners launched the Wild Solutions Park—a tangible space where nature-based climate solutions are brought to life. The park demonstrates how ecosystems can be restored, protected, and leveraged to address climate challenges while benefiting biodiversity and local communities.
Supporting Climate Solutions Where They Matter Most
Beyond Europe, SCI continued to support impactful projects globally. In cooperation with Jugend Eine Welt, greening initiatives in Ethiopia were advanced, while reforestation efforts in Uganda, implemented with the Jane Goodall Institute Austria, contributed to ecosystem restoration and climate resilience.
Art, Dialogue, and Community Voices
More than 600 people contributed to the Unite in Action Mosaic, a collective artwork symbolizing shared responsibility, solidarity, and hope. At the same time, SCI placed a strong emphasis on listening: the FORESIGHT Institute surveyed 1,000 people in Austria and Germany on perceptions of climate change and pollution, providing valuable insights into public attitudes and concerns.
Climate Action on the Global Stage
SCI was also present at key international forums. During Climate Week New York, Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke alongside the Tony Blair Institute, while SCI participated in discussions highlighting African leadership and climate innovation.
In a powerful moment of global solidarity, Arnold Schwarzenegger also spoke together with Pope Leo XIV at the Raising Hope for Climate Justice conference, organized with the Laudato Si’ Movement, reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting the most vulnerable communities.
Rethinking Food Systems
Food systems were another focus area in 2025. Together with Hanna Zedlacher, SCI engaged with global leaders at the EAT Forum and the Plant Food Summit, spotlighting sustainable, plant-forward diets as a key lever for climate protection and public health.
Moving Forward—Together
2025 was a year defined by courage, collaboration, and community. It demonstrated that climate action thrives when diverse actors unite around shared goals and practical solutions.
As Arnold Schwarzenegger reminds us:
“We can terminate pollution — but only if we do it together.”
With this spirit, the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative looks ahead to an even stronger and more impactful 2026.
