Al Gore has a challenge for Americans: produce 100 percent of the nation’s electricity with alternative energy within ten years.
At a packed Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Constitution Hall on July 17, the former Vice President spoke on behalf of the We Campaign, an extension of his organization The Alliance for Climate Protection. Beyond his usual call for a drastic reaction to the global climate crisis, Gore argued that an end to our reliance on carbon-based fuels would solve more than climate change.
“When you connect the dots, it turns out that the real solutions to the climate crisis are the very same measures that are needed to renew our economy and escape the trap of ever-rising energy prices,” said Gore. “Moreover, they are also the very same solutions that we need to guarantee our national security without having to go to war in the Persian Gulf.”
Plans for offshore drilling would not offer a sweeping solution to the climate crisis, the economy, and war in the Middle East, said Gore, nor would it provide much relief at all to gas prices in the near future.
Instead, Gore believes the time has come when alternative energy sources—such as solar, wind, and geothermal power—are now financially feasible as substitutes for the nation’s dependence on oil.
“This goal is achievable, affordable and transformative,” said Gore. “It represents a challenge to all Americans in every walk of life, to our political leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, engineers, and to every citizen.”
Gore’s solution would not entirely deny the consumption of oil, but he contends that it would quickly alleviate the swelling gas prices at the pumps that are hurting American consumers. He stated that $1 gallons of gas are still within reach.
And the next step for a change in electric power would be the implementation of electric cars, soon eliminating the need for gas.
“To those who say the costs are still too high,” said Gore, “I ask them to consider whether the costs of oil and coal will ever stop increasing if we keep relying on quickly-depleting energy sources to feed a rapidly growing demand all around the world. When demand for oil and coal increases, their price goes up. When demand for solar cells increases, the price often comes down. That’s the difference.”
Gore accompanied his challenge with suggestions for United States policy in the coming years; he said he has spoken with both Senators Barack Obama and John McCain, the two presumptive presidential nominees.
Gore stressed the need for the U.S. to be a leader in international initiatives to combat climate change, a critique of the Bush administration’s refusal to take part in treaties that cap carbon dioxide emissions without other nations’ consent.
“It’s a great error to say the United States must wait for others to join us in this matter,” said Gore. “In fact, we must move first, because that’s the key to getting others to follow. And moving first is in our own national interest.”
The national interest for the American people encapsulates all three problems Gore discussed: a struggling U.S. economy, the rising price of oil, and pollution from the consumption of that oil.
His plan, he says, is a solution that the public wants.
“To those who say the challenge is not politically viable, I suggest they go before the American people and try to defend the status quo, and then bear witness to the people’s appetite for dramatic change,” said Gore. “The time is now.”
Ben Giles is an intern at the American Journalism Center, a training program run by Accuracy in Media and Accuracy in Academia.
