Al Gore talks clean tech, Copenhagen

Shortly after President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this morning, fellow laureate Al Gore spoke about the triple threats of climate change, an unraveled economy and global (in)security.

I shoved my point-and-shoot Canon at him--well, from a polite distance--in the second row of a packed crowd at the Society of Environmental Journalists conference in Madison, Wis.

I wanted to ask him, "Hey, where are all the green jobs?! Where's our green WPA? What would you do as president here?" Alas, other folks beat me to the microphone. (Is it worth noting that some of their questions were inane to the point of eliciting jeers from the audience? One fellow had the mic turned off and yanked from his face.)

I was hoping that Gore or some other journalist would read my mind and bring up the subject of all those green jobs that are supposed to glow on the happy horizon, but the answers to my questions remain up in the air.

Some 15 million Americans remain unemployed, among them (perhaps scores of) laid-off journalists in the room. It's been sobering during the SEJ conference to run across some of the nation's finest environmental reporters living on unemployment benefits.

Which clean technologies does the former vice president think hold the most promise? Is Gore a bore or are we a society of ADHD-riddled bimbos who fail to pay attention to well-reasoned warnings at our peril?

Check out my post at CleanTechies for more or view the videos below.

Al Gore: Clean energy to solve triple threats

Al Gore: Supergrid, energy storage to boost economy

Al Gore: Look for wave of efficiency

Al Gore: Supergrid will enhance wind power 

Al Gore: China gets urgency of climate crisis

Comments

[kate]

I have watched his video about gllobalization, climate change and stuff like that. The video is marvelous.

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This is fantastic, he really did big help for us and mother nature.

[twitter.com/tntpkt]

"Education, Engage, and Execute"

Elsa - being deeply involved in the Cleantech industry my belief is end-user education containing specific actionable 'right now' tasks supported by key legislation will alter market drivers.

Increasing market drivers should then fuel incredible adoption and change at all levels.

In my opinion people's ingenuity can never be underestimated once armed with the proper knowledge.

I recently heard the phrase 'educate, engage, and execute' as a rallying theme by a Chinese official from the country's NDRC when discussing energy and water needs of China in the next decade. Perfect!

Keep up the great work - you are a growing part of the 'education' piece of the change that is needed.

Regards,

Tim