“Honorary doctorate” is probably not the first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they think of Arnold Schwarzenegger think. And so the Hertie School in Berlin has pulled off a real coup. In a packed auditorium on Tuesday afternoon, the private university awarded the former governor of California an honorary doctorate for his “pioneering work” in the field of climate protection and political participation.
“On the screen you are Conan the Destroyer – in real life you stand for decency and compromise,” said Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Robert Habeck about the former actor in his laudation. Schwarzenegger had an extraordinary career because he had not always done things “in the right or expected way,” Habeck explained. And joked that he could perhaps use the title of Schwarzenegger’s new book – “Be Useful” – as a campaign slogan in the federal election next year.
The Green politician praised Schwarzenegger for successfully combining climate protection and economic growth measures as governor. “You have changed the course of the Californian economy,” said Habeck.
Schwarzenegger’s commitment continues to have a major influence on the global discussion about climate change, emphasized Cornelia Woll, President of the Hertie School. His career represents many principles that the Hertie School shares, such as responsible leadership, practical orientation and an international perspective.
Even during his term as governor of California, Schwarzenegger campaigned for climate protection measures. Among other things, he played a key role in signing the Global Warming Solutions Act in 2006, through which the state committed to significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
© Hertie School / Sebastian Pfütze
Schwarzenegger, who spoke in English, stressed that his political successes were primarily due to his bipartisan work. With regard to the growing division in society, he said: “Just because people hold extreme views, we must not dismiss them.”
Schwarzenegger, who is a Republican, has repeatedly Donald Trump criticized. In 2021, he said that Trump would go down as the worst president in US history. He told the Tagesspiegel on Tuesday that he still identifies with the Republican Party. However, it makes him sad when he sees that the party no longer behaves in accordance with its traditions and values.
The former governor referred to the commitment of previous Republican presidents to inclusivity and environmental protection. This corresponded to the Republican philosophy. The party has now abandoned this path. However, this does not change his Republican convictions, Schwarzenegger emphasized.
“If you believe in God, it doesn’t matter what the Catholic Church does – you don’t give up that faith,” he said. “And it’s the same with me: I will always believe in Republican values and do everything I can to get the party back on track.”
