Green vs growth: Absolute bogus, says Schwarzenegger

Endorsing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s programme for expanding solar energy, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger rubbished the notion that a move to green energy would hamper economic growth.

“I am watching him (Modi) since he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat,” Schwarzenegger, a Hollywood superstar and two-time Republican governor, said in Delhi, where he is attending the 15th edition of the Sustainable Development Summit.  

“He started solar revolution by covering the canals with solar panels. I hope that he would continue with the same mentality,” the ‘Terminator’ said. 

Earlier this year, Modi raised India's solar energy target to 100,000 MW by 2022 and invited foreign firms to invest in the Indian renewable energy programme.

Countering the green-versus-growth theory, Schwarzenegger said: “Its absolute bogus that you have to choose between environment and economy. The economy would pick up if the environment is clean and green.” 

He pointed out that California’s economy grew by 3.6 per cent while the US economy laboured behind at 2.6 per cent to rubbish claims of economic slowdown due to green energy adoption.

 Schwarzenegger said irreversible consequences of global warming are just one aspect of the climate change debate. “Its (climate change) is a four legged stool. The second leg is job creation that would stimulate the economy whereas the third leg is the health consequences of global warming as pollution kills seven million people worldwide every year,” he said.