Environment

Arnold Schwarzenegger Just Went Full Terminator Against Climate Deniers

December 8th 2015

Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn't care about your opinion on climate change. In fact, he doesn't "give a damn" if you believe it's real or not.

But he does have some questions. The former body-building champion, "Terminator" star, and California governor took to Facebook on Monday with a series of practical asks about how much we can really rely on fossil fuels, aimed at those who doubt the veracity of climate change.

Related: Five Things to Know About the Paris Climate Summit

"I don't give a damn if you believe in climate change," the Facebook post reads. "I couldn’t care less if you're concerned about temperatures rising or melting glaciers. It doesn't matter to me which of us is right about the science."

It goes on to ask those doubters, assuming they're correct that climate change and renewable energy is a hoax, whether they believe thousands die from pollution each day, how they're suited for the eventual necessary shift away from depleting fossil fuels, and, as a way of driving home the toxicity of gasoline-burning cars, which of two sealed rooms they'd want to to be locked in for one hour: one with a gasoline-fueled car, the other with an electric one.

"This is the choice the world is making right now," the post reads.

Related: How Much Climate Change Will Cost You if We Fail to Act

Schwarzenegger's post comes as world leaders convene in Paris to reach an agreement that they hope will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and stave off the disastrous effects of a warming planet. In California, for example, scientists say the warming effects on the planet from man-made emissions have worsened the state's record drought by 15 to 20 percent, and that future droughts will only be worse as median temperatures climb.

"It is our moment to pick up the torch of a clean energy future in the cities, in the states, and in the provinces, and march forward relentlessly, like a terminator," Schwarzenegger said in a speech at the United Nations summit in Paris on Tuesday. "We will not stop, we will not rest, we will not give up because we must be defined by our movement and by our action, not by our hesitation."

Also: Jon Stewart Returns to The Daily Show to Fight For 9/11 First Responders Healthcare

The full transcript of the Facebook note is below:

"I see your questions.

"Each and every time I post on my Facebook page or tweet about my crusade for a clean energy future, I see them.

"There are always a few of you, asking why we should care about the temperature rising, or questioning the science of climate change.

"I want you to know that I hear you. Even those of you who say renewable energy is a conspiracy. Even those who say climate change is a hoax. Even those of you who use four letter words.

"I've heard all of your questions, and now I have three questions for you.

"Let's put climate change aside for a minute. In fact, let's assume you're right.

"First - do you believe it is acceptable that 7 million people die every year from pollution? That's more than murders, suicides, and car accidents - combined.

"Every day, 19,000 people die from pollution from fossil fuels. Do you accept those deaths? Do you accept that children all over the world have to grow up breathing with inhalers?

"Now, my second question: do you believe coal and oil will be the fuels of the future?

"Besides the fact that fossil fuels destroy our lungs, everyone agrees that eventually they will run out. What's your plan then?

"I, personally, want a plan. I don't want to be like the last horse and buggy salesman who was holding out as cars took over the roads. I don't want to be the last investor in Blockbuster as Netflix emerged. That's exactly what is going to happen to fossil fuels.

"A clean energy future is a wise investment, and anyone who tells you otherwise is either wrong, or lying. Either way, I wouldn't take their investment advice.

"Renewable energy is great for the economy, and you don't have to take my word for it. California has some of the most revolutionary environmental laws in the United States, we get 40% of our power from renewables, and we are 40% more energy efficient than the rest of the country. We were an early-adopter of a clean energy future.

"Our economy has not suffered. In fact, our economy in California is growing faster than the U.S. economy. We lead the nation in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, entertainment, high tech, biotech, and, of course, green tech.

"I have a final question, and it will take some imagination.

There are two doors. Behind Door Number One is a completely sealed room, with a regular, gasoline-fueled car. Behind Door Number Two is an identical, completely sealed room, with an electric car. Both engines are running full blast.

"I want you to pick a door to open, and enter the room and shut the door behind you. You have to stay in the room you choose for one hour. You cannot turn off the engine. You do not get a gas mask.

"I'm guessing you chose the Door Number Two, with the electric car, right? Door number one is a fatal choice - who would ever want to breathe those fumes?

"This is the choice the world is making right now.

"To use one of the four-letter words all of you commenters love, I don't give a damn if you believe in climate change. I couldn’t care less if you're concerned about temperatures rising or melting glaciers. It doesn't matter to me which of us is right about the science.

"I just hope that you'll join me in opening Door Number Two, to a smarter, cleaner, healthier, more profitable energy future."

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