Gore to Make Inconvenient Sequel

Al Gore told The British newspaper The Sun that he plans to make a sequel to An Inconvenient Truth.

Despite the fact that most people view the climate crisis as a very serious issue, Gore believes that little has actually changed since his 2006 hit documentary helped move global climate change to the forefront of international politics. He cited a recent study that showed the problem ranked near the bottom of a long list of people's concerns.

"I remember one poll," Gore said, "where it came under dog litter. People are more likely to respond to problems that can be felt – terrorism, traffic jams, anything that activates the responses in an immediate way."

In the interview Gore reiterated his plan to stay out of elected office. Instead, he plans to lead a robust grass roots movement in the United States designed to reinvent the infrastructure of the country with the most adverse effect on the environment.

"When the US does change on this issue," Gore said, "it will have a tremendous impact on the rest of the world. It's hard to imagine China and India changing their position if the United States does not."

China will surpass the US as the world's worst greenhouse gas polluter this year.
Gore's sentiment is undermined by his reluctance to hold celebrities personally accountable. The Sun's reporter Clodagh Hartley criticized Gore for not suggesting that "the Hollywood Establishment" rein in "their lavish jet-setting and gas-guzzling lifestyles." When asked about David Beckham, who has, according to Hartley, the world's worst carbon footprint in particular Gore said, "I don't think that's my place. I don't want to get into personally criticising anyone."

He should. The problem is every bit as real and daunting as Gore says. As long as the vast army of cooperate lobbyists stand in the way, the world needs a prophetic voice unafraid of alienating anyone, even wealthy allies, with inconvenient truths.

Bobby Kennedy, Jr. lays out a strategic approach to addressing the climate crisis in his recent article in Vanity Fair's green issue.