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On Monday, Al Gore spoke at the NYU School of Law to propose a set of solutions for human-induced global warming. The proposals are steps that will reduce greenhouse emissions by making energy production cleaner and reducing energy usage.
NEW YORK, Sept. 18 -- Former vice president Al Gore laid out his prescription for an ailing and overheated planet Monday, urging a series of steps from freezing carbon dioxide emissions to revamping the auto industry, factories and farms.Unfortunately the article does not give much detail about what the proposals would cost or entail. For those who are interested, there is a video (.rm link) and a transcript of the speech at the NYU website.
Gore proposed a Carbon Neutral Mortgage Association ("Connie Mae," to echo the familiar Fannie Mae) devoted to helping homeowners retrofit and build energy-efficient homes. He urged creation of an "electranet," which would let homeowners and business owners buy and sell surplus electricity....
Gore cautioned against looking for a "silver bullet" policy reform that would address global warming, a view many scientists share....
Gore touched on nuclear power as a palliative for global warming but made it clear that this is at best a partial solution. Nuclear power inevitably raises questions of nuclear arms proliferation, he said.
And he warned against thinking that the recent drop in oil prices offers much help: "Our current ridiculous dependence on oil endangers not only our national security, but also our economic security."
As a side note, does anyone else think Gore is running? I tend to take him at his word that the answer is "no," but his policy speeches and prominence on the global warming issues have made me wonder. I know I am not the only one who thinks Gore is considering a run.
