Arnold Schwarzenegger: You ask the questions...

Do you think the world will ever take credible action to reduce CO2 emissions? STEVE CRAWFORD, Lincoln

Absolutely. The Kyoto treaty was a great first step, but unfortunately the United States has been unwilling to participate. We are trying to lead on that issue in California, setting the most ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reductions ever and working with other states and even other nations, such as Britain, to inspire the rest of our country and the world to follow suit. The world needs a model of how to reduce CO2 and grow the economy at the same time and that's exactly what we're doing.

You made big friends with Tony Blair over climate change. In Britain he is now very unpopular. What impressed you? JENA GRAHAM, London

Tony Blair is a great leader and he has been out front on global warming and environmental protection for years. I was grateful we could work together.

Do you feel let down by the Bush administration's ostrich-like attitude to global warming? DIANA MACKENZIE, Belfast

We are frustrated that Washington hasn't chosen to lead on this issue, and that's why California has stepped in. We are not waiting for the federal government to act because the future doesn't wait. But I feel the tide turning.

Owning a fleet of Hummers is not very green - why are you so wedded to keeping them? PETE CAMPION, San Francisco

A few years ago, I challenged General Motors to make a Hummer that runs on hydrogen fuel, one of the cleanest alternative fuels available. They met my challenge. Clean fuels like electricity, hydrogen, biodiesel, natural gas and others are the fuels of tomorrow.

What are the top three things every government could do to lower carbon emissions? ANDREW MOLONY, Glasgow

Developing clean alternative fuels is probably the single biggest thing we could do, and that's why I just signed an executive order in California that will require producers of transportation fuels to reduce their carbon content by 10 per cent by the year 2020. We have also set industry targets for carbon reductions, but are devising a market-based system to allow the targets to be met without economic hardship.

How well has your silver screen experience dealing with bad guys prepared you for real-life politics? PETER HOSKING, Sydney

In business, bodybuilding and in the movies, you analyse the situation and take action. That has been my approach my entire life. But in politics, you have to move more slowly and be more inclusive to achieve your goals; patience is key. It took me a little while to learn that, but it's a lesson you can only learn by experience.

How helpful is Hollywood stardom in getting things done politically? KIRA VAZ, Barcelona

Being a celebrity can help draw attention to what we're trying to achieve. It's certainly easier when the media and public know who you are. But California is such an important state that any governor is going to be heard.

Some celebs make it in politics, some don't. What have you got that Warren Beatty hasn't got? CRAIG BURTON, by e-mail

I don't look at it that way. My father-in-law always said public service is the most satisfying activity anyone can pursue in their life and I now know firsthand that he was right. You have to be willing to make that commitment to devote yourself to helping other people and I have never regretted my decision.

Are Californians different from other Americans? DAVE HAMILTON, Dublin

California has always had a unique spirit. From the Gold Rush to its role in entertainment, hi-tech and other innovations, there has always been a sense of daring and living life to the fullest that helps make California special. It has something to do, I'm sure, with living on the coast, at the edge of the nation, and in what I consider to be the most beautiful place in the world.

I have to admit that I am not a fan of George Bush. Could you tell me three things that might make me change my mind? SARAH THOMPSON, Bristol

I know President Bush is doing the best he can in an extraordinarily difficult job. There are forces in the world that want to destroy America and this weighs on the President every minute of the day. I don't agree with everything he has done but I have no doubt he has the best interests of our nation at heart.

Have you met Hillary Clinton? And is America ready for a female president? MARIA CASTELLI, London

I have met her many times and she is a great person. And I don't think gender is a prerequisite to be president. If she does run for president, I have no doubt she would be a very strong candidate.

I enjoy eating foie gras. Would you like to see other countries follow California's lead in banning it? KATRINA DELANO, Paris

We didn't ban foie gras. We decided, correctly in my opinion, to find a more humane way to produce it.

Why does California still carry out the death penalty and could you not try to reform this barbaric act? MARY LEWIS, by e-mail

The people of California have said that capital punishment is appropriate for criminals who commit the most heinous crimes. I support the will of the people and will enforce California's laws to the best of my ability.

What do you think the biggest mistakes you made in your first term of office as governor were? DENIS MILMO, by e-mail

I never should have called a special election in 2005. All the reforms I pushed are important and I've not given up on any of them. But I went about it the wrong way. The people want the governor and legislature to work together to solve problems. They don't want to vote on every issue before us. I was impatient and my heart was certainly in the right place, but I should have been more inclusive and worked more to find the common ground. It is interesting how life works, though. Going through that made me and the legislature that much more determined to work together in the future and got some amazing things done last year for the people of our state.

How do you feel about the fact California is leading the way in plastic surgery, Is it a sad reflection of how sick society has become? DARIUSH BAZAZI, Edinburgh

Plastic surgery, like many other choices a person makes over their body, is a personal decision. However, I'm glad that we in California have some of the best plastic surgeons in the world, so that if someone does choose to undergo a procedure, they can do it knowing they are under the care of a highly-qualified and licensed professional.

If the constitution allowed it, would you run for President of the United States? MICHAEL CASE KISSEL, New York

Right now, my focus is on serving the people of California. I have so much work to do here that I don't have time to worry about anything else.

Did marrying into the Kennedy family affect your view of the Democrats? ANDY BLAKE, London

I have always believed Democrats and Republicans have the same goals. We have differences on issues, sure. But I think far too much is made of what divides us in this country. I have always chosen to look for what brings us together.

Would a more bipartisan political climate be a good thing for the US? LEWIS MERDLER, Brighton

Absolutely. Americans showed in the last election that they're tired of partisan politics.

Are you actually a Democrat in disguise, or having been born a European, is it that you have a clearer sense of reality than your Republican colleagues? TOM EVERETT, by e-mail

I'm proud to be a Republican. Ronald Reagan is one of my heroes. But we need to stop thinking in terms of Democrat or Republican. A good idea is a good idea no matter which side it comes from, and everyone will benefit if both parties work together to turn good ideas into reality.

What do you blame for the disastrous performance of the Republicans in the midterm elections? RYLE MORRISON, Sacramento

I think people just want change. They are frustrated with the stalemate in Washington. They are concerned about the war in Iraq. I don't think the election reflects any disaffection with the Republican Party as much as people just want something different right now. They're frustrated with seeing the big issues of the day - health care, immigration, environment - debated and debated without real progress.

What would you do about Iraq if you were President? JIM MOLINA, by e-mail

We are there and we should do all we can to emerge victorious. I don't think it would serve the cause of peace or the United States's interests to leave without having a stable Iraqi government to run their own nation.

Do you think there is too much money in American politics? Can anything be done to cut the power of special interest groups? ROD HALLORAN, Lancaster

Money is a fact of life in American politics. You cannot get your message out without money to run a campaign, buy advertising or reach voters. The important thing is that politicians should not make decisions based on this. I have an absolute rock-solid rule that I never make a decision based on who did or did not contribute.

Growing up in Austria did you ever imagine you would get to the position you are in today? JAKE CHAPMAN, Berkshire

I always dreamed, even as a little boy, of coming to America and accomplishing great things. I knew that if I worked hard and kept my focus, I could accomplish anything. That is what is so fantastic about America and it's why I knew this was the place for me to be.

My favourite line from your movies is when you tell Sub-Zero to chill out in The Running Man, but what does the governor of California do to chill out? BOBBY BOBSON, by e-mail

I like to ride my motorcycle on Sunday mornings with friends when I have the time, but it's hard with all my responsibilities. I love to hang out with my wife, Maria, and our children, but I am not the type who likes to "chill". I have always preferred action to sitting around.

Does money make you happy? TANIA MURPHY, Dublin

Money allows you to live a certain way and it can certainly be a great thing. But there is much more to life. I have never been happier, for instance, than I am in the job of governor and I don't take my salary.

I understand you took steroids to achieve your physique. Would you advise me to do the same, since I want to be a successful bodybuilder? DUFF CHU, London

I took steroids under a doctor's supervision, but that was before we knew all we do today about their harmful effects. I advise you very strongly to not use steroids.

If you had known when younger that you were heading for heart disease treatment, would you have changed your diet or lifestyle? DR COLIN WALSH, Cardiff

I have always tried to eat well, look after myself and exercise so there is nothing in my routine I would have done differently. The doctors told me that needing to have a heart valve replaced was genetic, not because of lifestyle.

Who are your political heroes? SARA MADDOX, Liverpool

Ronald Reagan was one. My father-in-law Sargent Shriver is another. I also greatly admired my mother-in-law, Eunice Shriver, who proved how much you can do without holding elected office.

You Ask The Questions

Next week: David Miliband, Environment Secretary

Send your questions to: myquestion@independent.co.uk