There is no doubt that former US Vice President Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” has been a global wake-up call concerning the seriousness of climate change. During the climb of his political career, Gore has been passionate and vocal about the dangers of global warming. The documentary has notably raised the awareness of the impending global threat, though the debate continues to grow around the world.
The scientific community is in agreement that global climate change is occurring as a result of human activity. The Earth is warming as more carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping emissions are released into the atmosphere without being taken out. The consequences of this are wide-reaching and highly concerning, as it causes rising sea levels, disruption of weather patterns, weakened ecosystems, and a wide range of health risks.
Gore’s efforts to counter this phenomenon have been both strategic and comprehensive. He has spoken at global conferences, rallied political leaders, and has been a driving force behind several international protocols established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He has also helped to educate millions about the dangers of global warming and has inspired citizens around the world to make lifestyle changes to reduce their carbon footprint. He has also helped fund initiatives such as theClimate Reality Project, which provides information and support regarding climate change.
On the other hand, some argue that Gore has overstated the problem of global warming and done so in a way that has been politically motivated, rather than scientifically driven. His critics bring up the seemingly endless and contentious debate on global warming itself, aruging that Gore fails to acknowledge the complexities of climate science. Furthermore, the suggestion that Gore’s primary motivation is political gain for himself rather than true concern for the environment has been made by some.
It is true that the scientific community is still debating the full scope and implications of climate change, but no one can deny the evidence and widespread consensus amongst climate scientists that humans are having an increasingly impactful effect on the global climate. The experts agree that immediate action must be taken in order to limit the damage caused by global warming.
At the core of the debate, the argument can be made that whether or not Al Gore was right about global warming is still up for discussion. However, the available evidence should be enough to inspire everyone to take the necessary action to combat global warming and its impact on this planet. Whether by reducing consumption levels, switching to renewable energy sources, or simply supporting initiatives such as the Paris Climate Agreement, there is something every single person can do to become part of the solution.
