Al Gore was recently jointly awarded the Nobel Peace prize with the UN’s panel on climate change. Gore deserves congratulations for his award, but his predictions of the world’s impending demise if we do not act immediately are overstated and somewhat self-defeating.
There is little doubt that global warming is a real threat to the general homeostasis of our planet, and humans can slow down greenhouse gas emissions.
There are a few threats that come to mind that currently pose greater problems to our civilization. Nuclear proliferation, an asteroid and Britney Spears are just a couple of things that could instantly end civilization as we know it.
If Gore really believes that global warming poses a substantial immediate threat, would he still live in his massive home that uses as much electricity as SUVs use gas?
It’s easy to attack Gore for being a hypocrite and an alarmist, but some would say he is just the messenger. That is a valid point considering the incredible attention he has brought to the issue of the rising global temperatures.
If all Gore did was bring attention to the issue, it would be hard to criticize the guy. However, he continues to call global warming a “crisis” that must be dealt with immediately while offering solutions that are not realistic.
He won the Nobel Peace Prize for the amount of attention he has brought to the issue of global warming. Almost single-handedly, Gore took to the mainstream something that was found only inside science magazines. For that, Gore should be praised.
However, the last thing the world needs is another hyperbolic doomsday preacher. If anyone wants to hear about the end of the world, just go listen to John Hagee preach or Headline News’ Glenn Beck.
Maybe exaggerating the issue was the only way to push it into the world spotlight.
Right after winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Gore is at the height of both his notoriety and credibility. He should use this unique opportunity to raise money for scientific research that could tangibly find a way to utilize alternative energy sources.
Scientists have a better shot of finding viable alternative energy than Gore has of making America a nation of hybrid car drivers and free of carbon-emitting factories.
Gore’s heart is in the right place, but he needs to use this moment and push for permanent changes. If he’s done this much so far, imagine what he can do with a Nobel Prize in hand.
