Climate change campaigner Al Gore and the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have been jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The 59-year-old former US vice president has devoted his efforts to environmental campaigning, winning an Oscar for his 2006 film An Inconvenient Truth. He has also written the book The Assault on Reason.
The UN's IPCC, comprising 3,000 leading climate scientists, is the world's leading authority on global warming. The Nobel committee said it wanted to help the world focus on the threat faced from climate change.
Ole Danbolt Mjoes, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said Gore and the UN panel were chosen "for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change."
The winners will share the $1.5m prize.
Now, Mr. Gore, will you please consider running for president? I've said it before, we need you! Just imagine a US president actually getting America back on track and in the process, helping preserve the environment! Wouldn't that be a wonderful legacy??!!
Though I wish he would run, I know he will not. Why would he at this point? He has proven he can get more done, not being president.
Posted by: My Melange | 15 October 2007 at 13:24
If Mr Gore would run for President (and I am pretty sure he will not) but if he would, I would vote for him in a heartbeat!
Posted by: pepektheassassin | 14 October 2007 at 07:17
I was so pleased to hear about the panels selection ... well deserved. And yes, it would be great if he would run!! Peace, JP/deb
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 13 October 2007 at 20:03
I maintain...if it weren't for hanging chads and Floridian governors, there would be no war in Iraq.
Am I wrong?
Congratulations Al.
Yes, run for President.
xo
Blue
Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | 13 October 2007 at 04:32
we've been considering our environment for more than a decade. beginning in the early '90. becoming aware of the approaching danger. finally the issue is starting to reach global ears. mr. gore's statements were known here well before while he and mr. clinton worked in the white house.
it starts first of all with and within ourselves. taking care of the polution we individualy create, thinking of the garbage and energy waisted, preserving water source and nature's treasures, reprimanding industries around us that continue exploring and distructing our world. still a long way to go, asking ourselves if the glory of economical global objectives are that sanctifying after all...
Posted by: marita | 12 October 2007 at 23:23
I agree with what 'January' said. I cannot help but wonder what it would be like if he had taken the office instead of GWB. Still, to split the Democratic party right now with votes would be detrimental.
Plus, I think where environment is concerned he can do more NOT in the office than in it. Look at what he is doing now....
Posted by: Shelly | 12 October 2007 at 22:55
I agree with Colette - I think everything happens for a reason, and perhaps this was the work he was meant to do. We can only hope that even if he doesn't run again, whoever does, will note the value of his advice, and take heed in their policy-making.
Posted by: tinker | 12 October 2007 at 22:21
In a weird way, I've been giddy all day because of this news. Good for Al Gore to have such success after having a public defeat. He can do more for the world outside of public office by bringing governments and the business community together to work together for a change.
And while I would love to have another chance to vote for him, I don't think he'll run in this election cycle. Running against Hillary would split the democratic base. And, Hillary and Barack Obama each have something like $80K each for their campaigns--I don't think he can raise that kind of money. Still, I'd vote for Gore in a heartbeat if he ran.
Let's not forget, he's also an Oscar winner. How cool is that?
Posted by: January | 12 October 2007 at 20:32
I just wanted to add that if he had been president now, he wouldn't have accomplished any of his present work. I believe there's a reason for everything. And if he doesn't run in 08, there's always '12. Timing is everything!!!
Posted by: Colette | 12 October 2007 at 19:47
This is Al Gore in full bloom. He climbed out of the ruins of the last election, and he has done incredibly brave and great things for humanity and continues to do so. Perhaps his time to lead the U.S. has come....
Posted by: Colette | 12 October 2007 at 19:45
I posted on this today too.
I really wish he would run again but am pessimistic about it happening.
Posted by: fleur | 12 October 2007 at 16:55
he SHOULD be president NOW...have a beautiful weekend...blessings, rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | 12 October 2007 at 14:29