An Evening with Al Gore

"I am Al Gore and I used to be the next president of the United States." With an opening like that, Gore automatically brought the audience to his side. Whether Democrat or Republican, one couldn't help but to find the humor in what was such a controversial election as was held in 2000.

Since is unsuccessful presidential race, Gore has become the public face of global warming. Though the environment and its well being was a large part of the work he did while in the office of Vice President, it is his recent movie and lectures entitled "An Inconvenient Truth" that have really brought the issue to the forefront of the news. Global warming is no longer something we as citizens of this planet can ignore. It's an issue that no matter your religious beliefs, politics or nationality, affects us ALL. Therefore it is up to all of us to do something to change the dismal future we are headed towards.

During his one and three quarter-hour presentation at the Bank United Center on the University of Miami's Cora Gables campus, Gore presented his slideshow "An Inconvenient Truth"; the same presentation that was done in the movie of the same title, with a few updates to include the most recent information. The damage that we are doing to our planet is astonishing and Mr. Gore illustrated that clearly with graphs, diagrams and illustrations. The subject of global warming is one that is very scientific and sometimes difficult to understand. Even so, Gore has found a way to combine the science and fact of the matter with a sense of humor and candor that makes it easy to understand, not to mention enjoyable.

When Gore made is final points and the lights finally rose, I, along with many other attendees, were shocked at how quickly time had passed. Gore had engaged and enamored his audience to the point that the length of the presentation, though longer than intended, was no longer an issue. It was the topic at hand that took precedent.

Following his presentation, Mr. Gore took questions from the audience. As could have been anticipated by many, the question of whether he would consider another run for the presidency arose. To my dismay, as I am a huge supporter of Mr. Gore and his efforts to help the environment, he confirmed that politics is no longer on his agenda. He stated that he was flattered by the desire expressed by so many, but that he had found another path and was enjoying the work he was currently doing.

If you'd like to learn more about global warming, please visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website at: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/. In addition, information on Al Gore and his presentation "An Inconvenient Truth" can be found at http://www.climatecrisis.net/.

If you have not seen the movie, a recent Academy Award winner, I implore you to make the effort to do so. Though global warming is a large issue, there are many things we as individuals can do to make a difference. The first step is to become educated, so go to your nearest video store and rent the movie that has affect so many people and policies already. Then head to the polls next December and cast your vote for the candidate with the clearest, most realistic policies in regards to energy efficiency. This is an issue that touches us and can no longer afford to be ignored.