It’s exciting news today that Al Gore and the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have won the Nobel Peace Prize. The immediate mainstream press reaction that puts the prize in a political light seems to miss the point.
As Gore stated in his acceptance letter, “The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity. It is also our greatest opportunity to lift global consciousness to a higher level.”
I believe wholeheartedly in this statement. The combat on global warming will serve as an economic engine while fostering peace and improving the livability of our communities and the planet.
Gaining momentum on this subject seems to be a matter of gain theory, where people will feel they have more to lose by not participating than they have to gain. This is largely due to the time frames on the rewards and the lack of patience that we all exhibit. Investing in renewable energy, reducing our carbon footprints, planting trees, etc. all have incremental and long-term impacts with little immediate rewards.
It takes strong non-partisan collaboration with a long-term vision to achieve the goals of sustainability. I’m encouraged by the work that’s being done globally. China is among the leaders worldwide to enact sustainable development on a grand scale. Why not stir up some nationalistic pride for a “Green War,” where all nations benefit?
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ok, so whats Gores message? how did he, or how does he think he knows, put together investing into sustainability with our lack of patience to expect the rewards? where is that good business for big-scale action (‘green war’)?