Climate of Denial

A thoughtful and intelligent argument once you get past the intro and get to the heart of Gore's argument that "the climate crisis, in reality, is a struggle for the soul of America."

For those of us actively engaged in the struggle, Gore concludes with some good suggestions for how we, as individuals, can make a difference:

1)Become a committed advocate for solving the crisis. You can start with something simple: Speak up whenever the subject of climate arises.

2) Deepen your commitment by making consumer choices that reduce energy use and reduce your impact on the environment. ... Reward those companies that are providing leadership.

3)Join an organization committed to action on this issue. The Alliance for Climate Protection (climateprotect.org), which I chair, has grassroots action plans for the summer and fall that spell out lots of ways to fight effectively for the policy changes we need. We can also enable you to host a slide show in your community on solutions to the climate crisis — presented by one of the 4,000 volunteers we have trained. Invite your friends and neighbors to come and then enlist them to join the cause.

4) Contact your local newspapers and television stations when they put out claptrap on climate — and let them know you're fed up with their stubborn and cowardly resistance to reporting the facts of this issue.

5) Finally, and above all, don't give up on the political system. Even though it is rigged by special interests, it is not so far gone that candidates and elected officials don't have to pay attention to persistent, engaged and committed individuals. President Franklin Roosevelt once told civil rights leaders who were pressing him for change that he agreed with them about the need for greater equality for black Americans. Then, as the story goes, he added with a wry smile, "Now go out and make me do it."