The 10th Austrian World Summit in Vienna on 16th June, brought together leaders from politics, business, civil society and faith communities under a message of hope and determination in the face of the climate crisis.
Opening the Summit, Arnold Schwarzenegger reflected on the journey that began ten years ago with a simple but ambitious mission: “terminate pollution.” Looking back on a decade of climate action, he reminded participants that progress comes when people work together across every sector of society. As he put it: “Because together we are stronger. Together, we are unstoppable.” He also pointed to the momentum behind renewable energy and climate solutions, insisting that “The clean energy revolution is moving forward. It is unstoppable.” ([schwarzeneggerclimateinitiative.com][1])
Among the many inspiring conversations was the session “Purpose and Planet: How Spirituality Drives Climate Action.” The panel explored how faith traditions can inspire the values, hope and commitment needed to care for our common home. It brought together Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’
Laudato Si’ is an encyclical written by Pope Francis and published in May 2015. Its title, translated from Italian, means “Praise be to You,” a reference to St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures. This encyclical focuses on the care of the environment, addressing the ecological crisis and calling for action to combat climate change, environmental degradation, and social injustices. Pope Francis emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation and critiques consumerism, irresponsible development, and the disregard for nature. It is one of the most influential religious documents on environmental ethics.
• Read Laudato Si’ »
• Find out about the Laudato Si’ Movement »
Movement, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg of EcoJudaism in London, Najma Mohamed of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and actor and humanitarian Richard Gere. Their encounter reflected the increasingly important role of interfaith collaboration in addressing the environmental crisis. Drawing on their respective traditions, they highlighted how spirituality can motivate practical action, deepen our sense of responsibility towards creation and strengthen solidarity with those most affected by climate change.
The Austrian World Summit has always sought to bring together people from different backgrounds around a common purpose. The meeting of faith leaders alongside political and business leaders offered a powerful reminder that climate action is not only a technological or political challenge but also a moral and spiritual one. In Schwarzenegger’s words, the task before us remains clear: to unite in action and to terminate pollution — and to do so together.
Sources: Schwarzenegger’s keynote speech and Austrian World Summit programme. ([schwarzeneggerclimateinitiative.com][1])
[1]: https://www.schwarzeneggerclimateinitiative.com/sci-presse-en/arnold-schwarzeneggers-speech-at-the-10th-austrian-world-summit/ “Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Speech at the 10th AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT – The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative”