Latest news Schwarzenegger receives an honorary doctorate in Berlin

Former bodybuilder, Hollywood star and Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, receives an honorary doctorate in Berlin.

The private Hertie School will award it this Tuesday to the 77-year-old, who has long campaigned for environmental protection and sustainability. Schwarzenegger would like to accept the honorary doctorate in person.

The title is a recognition of his pioneering work, in which he has focused on political participation and evidence-based decision-making across party lines, said University President Cornelia Woll.

"In particular, his commitment to environmental protection, civic engagement and innovative policies have had a major impact on the global debate on climate change to this day."

German Vice Chancellor and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) is to deliver the laudatory speech at the ceremony to award the honorary doctorate.

Schwarzenegger began his career as a bodybuilder

Schwarzenegger was born in Styria in 1947 and grew up in poor circumstances. He became "Mister Universe" at the age of 20 and went on to make a career as a bodybuilder in the USA.

As an actor with an accent and an unpronounceable name, he became an action star ("Conan the Barbarian"). Schwarzenegger achieved cult status with his starring role as "Terminator" (1984) in the science fiction film of the same name, but also appeared in comedies such as "Kindergarten Cop".

Schwarzenegger was governor of the US state of California from 2003 to 2011. During this time, he was largely responsible for the signing of a climate protection agreement that committed California to significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

He has been fighting for more climate protection for years

Schwarzenegger has been a prominent advocate of climate protection measures ever since. The Hertie School has awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his ongoing commitment in this area. Among other things, he founded the R20 organization, which supports regional governments around the world in implementing sustainable projects.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Schwarzenegger called for a move away from fossil fuels. He criticized Europe for helping to finance the war of aggression in Ukraine with its billions in payments to Russia for Moscow's fuel imports.