Al Gore

Definition

Al Gore is an American politician, environmentalist, and Nobel Laureate, best known for his advocacy on climate change and environmental issues. His role as Vice President under Bill Clinton and his continued activism have made him a prominent figure in international climate change negotiations and agreements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Al Gore served as the 45th Vice President of the United States from 1993 to 2001, playing a key role in advancing environmental policies during that time.
2. In 2007, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about human-caused climate change.
3. Gore's documentary 'An Inconvenient Truth' raised public awareness about climate issues, significantly influencing global discussions on climate change.
4. He has been instrumental in international climate negotiations, notably the Kyoto Protocol, where he advocated for binding emissions targets for developed countries.
5. Gore continues to be an influential speaker and advocate, participating in various forums and events focused on sustainable development and combating climate change.

Review Questions

• How did Al Gore's position as Vice President influence U.S. policies on climate change during his administration?
  • As Vice President, Al Gore was a strong advocate for environmental policies and played a significant role in shaping U.S. approaches to climate change. He pushed for initiatives that promoted energy efficiency and renewable energy sources while also emphasizing the need for international cooperation on environmental issues. His influence helped elevate climate change on the national agenda and set the stage for future discussions about sustainability.
• Evaluate the impact of Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth' on public perception of climate change and its role in international agreements.
  • 'An Inconvenient Truth' significantly impacted public awareness of climate change by presenting scientific evidence in an accessible format. The film not only educated viewers about the dangers of global warming but also inspired many to take action. This increased awareness contributed to a greater urgency in international negotiations like the Kyoto Protocol, as more citizens demanded governmental action on climate issues.
• Assess how Al Gore's advocacy has shaped modern international climate negotiations since his tenure as Vice President.
  • Al Gore's advocacy has had a lasting impact on modern international climate negotiations by highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change. His emphasis on scientific evidence and the need for collaboration among nations has influenced subsequent agreements like the Paris Accord. By framing climate change as a global crisis requiring immediate action, Gore has helped shift the narrative around environmental policy, encouraging leaders to prioritize sustainability in their agendas.

Related terms

Kyoto Protocol: An international treaty that commits state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): A body of the United Nations responsible for assessing the science related to climate change, its impacts, and future risks, and for formulating adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Inconvenient Truth: A documentary film featuring Al Gore that presents scientific evidence of climate change and calls for urgent action to address environmental issues.