Al Gore makes demands
Photo Credit: Lindsay Cray
“The alternative to success is unacceptable. The result of this conference is essential to the survival of our civilization”
Al Gore. He has been dubbed by some as “Al Bore.” I have heard others say that he has not had anything new to say since he came out with An Inconvenient Truth. However, when I watched this man speak on Wednesday, I could say this for him…. The man had a point.
“This is clear evidence that only wreckless fools would ignore. I feel a sense of frustration at the lack of our political systems to make bold commitments in the face of climate change.”
I will be honest, his speech was a bit choppy. There were a lot of facts and numbers that could have bored those who don’t want to listen to stats. In the end though, Gore let all that go and spoke directly and honestly. He gave his opinion as a citizen of the world, and I agree with him, one hundred percent.
“What is the alternative? Does anyone believe that a grassroots global campaign alone is sufficient enough to solve this crisis? It is helpful. But the end result of this summit must be a binding treaty, not merely on what is convenient and easy.”
“There are some that engage in magical thinking. They believe that some new technology will appear at the last minute to save us from disaster. They use this story to lull themselves in to complacency. That is the moral equivalent of denying the existence of climate change itself.”
The former Vice President asked the global community to join him in demanding a few key results from our leaders:
a) That ministers and heads of state to make an international decision in July of next year in Mexico, not to wait until November.
b) Full transparency. Access to measure the progress of nations as they fulfill their legally binding commitment to the world.
c) That these nations be held accountable for their commitments.
“This cannot wait!” He exclaims. “The impacts can seem remote but it is concrete and real, and we must deal with this now. We have 3 days. Do these people not understand that we are in danger of losing the opportunity to reclaim a climate balance that is needed to support human civilization? Who are we, as human beings?” Gore questioned.
Say what you will. Call him what you want. But if you’re not scared yet, I would suggest, that maybe you should be taking him a little more seriously.
