Political, Hollywood Big Wigs Join Schwarzenegger At Climate Conference

DAVIS (KCBS) - In a move that was widely seen as a stepping stone for his next role, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday hosted his third and final Climate Change Summit at UC Davis.

The governor brought some well-known political and Hollywood names to the conference, putting him on an international stage just as he prepared to finish his final gubernatorial term.

KCBS' Holly Quan Reports:

British Prime Minister David Cameron was among the guests expected, via video. Hollywood director James Cameron was also scheduled to participate in the conference. He was reportedly planning to direct documentaries on climate change in between filming of the Avatar sequels.

Perhaps the biggest news expected out of the conference, though, was an agreement giving poor countries the funding for projects to reduce carbon emissions.

"He wants to be a statesperson in the same way that Bill Clinton has worked to become a statesperson," suggested USC political science professor Sherry Bebitch Jeff. "That doesn't mean that he will be tied to any particular political party. He may well be tied to a particular issue, such as the environment."

"Perhaps we might see down the line an Arnold Schwarzenegger foundation that might have something to do with environmental matters, which might have something to do with the kind of help that the Bill Clinton Foundation has been giving to other countries."

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