Former bodybuilder, Hollywood star and governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is receiving an honorary doctorate in Berlin. The private Hertie School is awarding it this Tuesday to the 77-year-old, who has long been committed to environmental protection and sustainability. Schwarzenegger would like to accept the honorary doctorate in person.
The title is a recognition of his pioneering work, in which he placed an emphasis on political participation and evidence-based decision-making across party lines, said university president Cornelia Woll. “In particular, his commitment to environmental protection, civil society engagement and his innovative politics continue to have a major influence on the global discussion on climate change.”
The laudation speech at the ceremony to award the honorary doctorate will be given by Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens).
Schwarzenegger began his career as a bodybuilder
Schwarzenegger was born in Styria in 1947 and grew up in poverty. He became “Mr. Universe” at the age of 20 and then pursued a career as a bodybuilder in the USA.
As an actor with an accent and an unpronounceable name, he became an action star (“Conan the Barbarian”). Schwarzenegger achieved cult status with his starring role as “Terminator” (1984) in the science fiction film of the same name, but he also appeared in comedies such as “Kindergarten Cop.”
From 2003 to 2011, Schwarzenegger was governor of the US state of California. During this time, he was largely responsible for signing a climate protection agreement that committed California to significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
He has been fighting for more climate protection for years
Since then, Schwarzenegger has been considered a prominent advocate of climate protection measures. The Hertie School is honoring his ongoing commitment in this area with the honorary doctorate. Among other things, he founded the organization R20, which supports regional governments around the world in implementing sustainable projects.
After Russia’s attack on Ukraine in 2022, Schwarzenegger called for a move away from fossil fuels. He criticized Europe for helping to finance the war of aggression in Ukraine with its billions in payments to Russia for fuel imports from Moscow.
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