Arriving at the U.S. Department of Agriculture
on the National Mall, a familiar face from
many walks of life.
Hello.
Former bodybuilder, actor and California Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger was honored by the USDA
Forest Service for his work on climate change
and other environmental issues.
Governor, you have been a true global leader
in the fight against climate change, a true
friend to the planet's forests.
I'd like to present you with a Forest Service
jacket, complete with a badge and a plaque
that's commemorating today's designation.
(applause) and you also get the honorary Smokey
Bear (laughter) For me to receive this award
and to be one of the rangers, I mean it really
touches my heart.
So i just want to say thank you very much
for this great, great honor.
Thank you and I'm looking forward to working
with you in the future.
Thank you (applause) He joins actress Betty
White and musician and tree farmer Chuck Leavell
in the ranks of honorary USDA forest rangers.
I have seen firsthand...He says he learned
the value of Forest Service firefighters when
he was governor of California, where he says
climate change has led to more frequent wild
fires.
Over the last 30 years we now have 60 percent
more land that is burning because of climate
change.
So this is a tremendous pressure that it puts
on everyone and every firefighter.
The U.S. Forest Service, and their firefighters
are without any doubt the best firefighters
in the world.
(applause) For Schwarzenegger, after a lifetime
of competition, Hollywood stardom and governing,
it's a chance for a fourth career.
This is really terrific, I love this.
(laughter).
You're right; this is going to be my fourth
career.
(applause) In Washington, D.C. for the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, I'm Pat O'Leary.
