Schwarzenegger: Explain Your Investments in Illegal Logging and Rainforest Destruction!

  • by: Susan V
  • recipient: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger is portrayed as a champion of the environment, and he's applauded for getting the word out on global warming. But new revelations about his private ties to illegal logging make his public image appear deeply hypocritical.

Just days before Schwarzenegger is to introduce a new TV show on global warming, an investigation by Global Witness has uncovered evidence that the former governor has financial connections to some of the world’s most destructive logging companies.

According to the report, Schwarzenegger owns considerable interest in Dimensional Fund Advisors, an investment firm with major holdings in tropical forestry companies - some of which have engaged in illegal logging that has destroyed orangutan habitats and supported Liberian conflict and arms trafficking.

Tropical forests are essential to curbing climate change, and Schwarzengger should explain his financial ties to any company that contributes to their destruction.

We, the undersigned, say Mr. Schwarzenegger has some explaining to do about his financial ties to illegal logging companies.

Even though news reports admit that the former governor may not be aware of exactly how all his money is being invested by Dimensional Fund Advisors, his public position on global warming dictates that he be thorough and open about whom and what kind of activities he supports and profits from.

According to the Guardian, Schwarzenegger‘s 2011 disclosure forms show he owned “stock of 'more than $1 million' in DFA – the highest category,“ with “annual dividends of at least $100,000.” But he was not required to disclose all his holdings in the company, adds the report.

Also significant is that the Norwegian Government found that one of DFA’s companies had clear cut 100,000 hectares or more of critical orangutan habitat in Sarawak, causing irreversible biodiversity and the ecosystem destruction.

A Global Witness spokesman told the press the group sees Schwarzenegger’s private involvement in these destructive companies while publicly promoting himself as an environmental champion “deeply hypocritical.“

Mr. Schwarzenegger, the public feels it deserves an explanation about you financial ties to forest destruction, and we request you provide one with full disclosure.

Thanks for your time.

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