Al Gore’s message to students
Global warming issues are for this generation to resolve
February 28, 2007
University of Miami
By John Constantinide
Photo by The University of Miami Communications
“This Earth is just beginning to slip from our grasp. I want you to protect it and start the healing process.” This summed up the powerful message about climate change that former Vice President Al Gore gave to over 7,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the University of Miami community as part of the “Green U month.”
Welcomed with a standing ovation and loud cheers by the students, Gore’s message was heard loud and clear. Taking a segment from his Academy Award-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, Gore discussed the menacing presence of global warming, an increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere resulting in warmer climates and the scientific proof available. With his informative and funny Apple computer presentation and witty jokes, he showed the audience the consensus that the scientific community came to regarding global warming and its effects.
The former vice president pointed out that scientists did not disagree about global warming; rather, he showed newspaper articles, oil company letters and government memos aimed to sway the public into thinking that climate change is a myth rather than fact.
Showing chart after chart of scientific data, Gore reiterated his message that people need to take action to resolve the problem of increasing climate change. Whether trading a Hummer for a hybrid vehicle or voting for candidates who support green initiatives, he emphasized that people have the power to make a difference in this world.
Students had the opportunity to ask the former vice president questions after his presentation. One asked if he would be running for President in 2008, to which Gore replied that his heart and passion lie in spreading the message about global warming rather than the presidency. Other students asked what they could do to respond to climate change. Gore aptly responded that it is the youth that will be most affected by the problem and that the problem is more for the youth to solve than his own generation.
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