In an insightful interview for the Climate Forward series, former Vice President Al Gore discusses the complex landscape of climate action, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s policies. Conducted by David Gelles, Managing Correspondent of the Climate Forward Newsletter, the conversation delves into decades of climate advocacy, the persistent challenges, and the evolving nature of hope.
The Persistent Struggle for Climate Action
Gelles begins by reflecting on Al Gore’s groundbreaking 2006 documentary, ‘An Inconvenient Truth,’ which served as a powerful wake-up call to the mainstream. He questions why, after such a significant moment, humanity hasn’t acted faster to avert the current climate crisis. Gore attributes this slow progress primarily to the immense, decades-long campaign of denial and obstruction from the fossil fuel industry, whose influence extends across critical policy areas. Beyond this, he points to systemic inertia, highlighting that 80% of global energy still comes from fossil fuels, and the financial sector remains deeply tied to these industries.
Despite these hurdles, Gore recalls his long-held belief in ‘Dornbusch’s Law’: “things take longer to happen than you think they will, but then they happen faster than you thought they could.” He sees this pattern manifesting in the climate movement, envisioning an eventual inflection point where change accelerates rapidly.
Mother Nature’s Unmistakable Message
Gore firmly believes that public understanding and concern about climate change have dramatically increased over the past two decades, largely due to Mother Nature’s undeniable participation in the discussion. He cites a staggering instance of 12 ‘once-in-a-thousand-year’ extreme weather events occurring in the U.S. within just three days. Gore poignantly describes nightly news reports as “a nature hike through the Book of Revelation,” referencing biblical horrors to convey the unprecedented and intensifying catastrophes unfolding globally.
The Trump Administration’s Impact and Fossil Fuel Subsidies
Asked about President Trump’s administration, Gore confirms that its impact has been even worse than he anticipated, particularly within the U.S. He expresses deep concern over increased subsidies and policy favors for fossil fuels, which occur simultaneously with efforts to undermine the accelerating energy transition. Gore highlights a striking correlation: annual global fossil fuel subsidies total approximately $4.4 trillion, almost matching the $4.5 trillion estimated by the International Energy Agency as necessary to finance the energy transition. Eliminating these destructive subsidies, he argues, would free up the very resources needed for a sustainable future.
When questioned about individuals who deny climate threats, Gore quotes Upton Sinclair: “it’s difficult to get a man to understand something if his income depends upon him not understanding it.” He extends this observation to the broader global inertia, acknowledging that while significant progress is being made, it’s not yet at the necessary scale.
Tipping Points and Sources of Hope
Gore refrains from delving into specific scientific ‘tipping points’ like the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) but acknowledges their extreme importance. He mentions the mysterious disappearance of cold-water up-welling off the West Coast of South America as an example of alarming, unexpected phenomena that even scientists find astonishing, reminiscent of the stratospheric ozone hole’s sudden appearance decades ago.
Despite the dire warnings, Gore finds immense hope in the next generation of grassroots leaders and activists. He describes the climate movement as the largest global grassroots movement in history, commending the skill and dedication of those working to build it. He clarifies that effective activism, in his view, involves forceful communication to elected officials and candidates, emphasizing climate change as a top priority.
Action as the Antidote to Despair
Addressing the cynicism some might feel, Gore asserts that young activists worldwide are energetic and hopeful, seeing a clear path forward. He points to economic data suggesting that every dollar invested in sustainability creates three times as many jobs as investment in the old fossil economy. This vision of a future with less pollution, more jobs, and greater hope is what excites him.
While admitting to having ‘bad days’ of concern, Gore firmly believes that the antidote to climate despair is climate action. He urges individuals to engage, join movements, and actively push for change, emphasizing that “we don’t have time for despair.”
Looking ahead, Gore remains optimistic that the world will solve the climate crisis, but it will demand significantly more political activism to sway wavering officials toward the right policy choices. The conversation concludes with a call for continued pressure and engagement from all sectors.
This episode of “Climate Forward” was produced and edited by Evan Roberts, mixed by Alyssa Jane Moxley, with original music by Daniel Powell. The Climate Forward event team includes Beth Weinstein, Ryan McCarthy, Hillary Kun Christina Djossa, and Yenwei Liu. Special thanks to Maddy Masiello, Nick Pittman, and Jeffrey Miranda.