In keeping with our motto: “Less talk more action”, we believe showcasing successful examples of concrete projects that contribute to climate protection and sustainable development is the best way to encourage replication and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future. We are therefore constantly seeking Best Practice Projects relating to developing and emerging countries which deliver a positive climate impact and set an example to others.
The organization behind this project collection is – The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been fighting pollution and climate change for nearly 20 years. His approach has always centered around the idea that we need "less talk, more action".
The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative focuses on:
Once a year the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative hosts the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT in the historical center of Vienna: Since its founding 2017, the AUSTRIAN WORLD SUMMIT has become one of the largest climate conferences in the world thanks to the patronage of Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and with the support of the Schwarzenegger Institute and many generous sponsors. The Summit serves as the leading international "Matchmaker for Green Solutions" by presenting successful policies, best practice projects, and examples of cooperation and innovative solutions. Additionally, the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative recognizes the importance of reaching the global public and added the "Climate Kirtag" to the program. Over 10,000 people attended the open-air festival in 2019, which featured famous Austrian musicians, celebrities and climate champions all committed to fighting pollution and the climate crisis.
We use the carbon storage capacity of trees to illustrate the amount of greenhouse gas emissions avoided per year by the climate projects presented here. This calculation is roughly based on an average tree in an Austrian industrial forest, which absorbs about 1 ton of CO2 during its lifetime (80 years). On average, this is about 12,5 kg CO2 per tree, per year. In reality, the amount of carbon that can be bound depends on numerous factors, such as tree species, climate and soil quality, and can be significantly higher in tropical regions. Carbon bound in trees is re-released when they rot or burn. It therefore makes sense to use wood in construction, for example, thus containing it long-term. Even more important than binding CO2 from the atmosphere is to prevent its release in the first place through responsible management and consumption based on renewable materials rather than fossil resources.