Schwarzenegger opens climate change summit

Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger has opened his climate change summit, telling attendees from 19 other countries they can protect both the environment and their economies.

Schwarzenegger's message was reinforced by President-elect Barack Obama, who spoke to participants in a taped video.

Obama said the United States economy would continue to weaken if climate change and dependence on foreign oil are left unaddressed.

The two-day summit has drawn more than 800 scientists, environmentalists, government and industry officials to discuss strategies to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Schwarzenegger, a Republican, has gained notoriety for his global warming efforts in California. He hopes the summit will influence negotiations over a new global climate treaty during a UN gathering in Poland next month.