TOPIC 'Environment' on Dec 19, 2008 (CET)
Al Gore Addresses Climate Change Meetings in Poland
Al Gore, co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2007, addressed a crowded auditorium in Poznan, Poland, where climate change meetings were held for the first two weeks in December 2008. Gore says there is reason for hope, with the incoming new U.S. President and also great efforts by China and South Africa, among many other countries, to reduce the amount of carbon in the environment.
Gore believes that the end of 2009 can see successful fruition to efforts involving a new climate change treaty when the two-year long process of ratifying a new treaty concludes in Copenhagen. Gore stated in his address to the many gathered to hear him speak that the world needs to focus on the very important climate change matters at hand, instead of celebrity news and gossip.
The former Vice-President of the United States received a standing ovation from representatives of the 189 countries who were present for the two-week long session of meetings discussing global climate change. Gore referred to India’s Gandhi as he sought to compare the need for climate change to spiritual and moral ethics and philosophies.
The United Nations first began sponsored discussions on climate change in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Gore said decisions and remedies are critical as the glaciers, which provide water for more than 1.4 billion inhabitants of Asia, are seen departing from the Himalayas. In other parts of the world, droughts and flooding are being seen in record numbers and in unusual scenarios.
John Kerry, a United States Senator sent by President-Elect Obama to affirm the U.S. commitment to the priority of climate change, spoke just before Al Gore. A new energy is expected to be present in climate change talks after Obama is officially installed as the President of the United States in January 2009. Many believe that once the U.S. position is solidified and shows a commitment to reducing carbon and improving the environment, other countries will follow suit.
Sherry Irvin
on behalf of the
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