Carbon-Free Energy, Cutting Poverty in Half: Mr. Gore, Meet Mr. Edwards

[waiting for hope]

In recent weeks, former vice president Al Gore challenged Americans to commit to producing 100 percent of electricity from "renewable energy and clean carbon-free sources" within 10 years. And former senator John Edwards launched a Half in Ten campaign "to reduce poverty in the United States by 50 percent within 10 years." Two bold, audacious goals. Same starting dates. Same decade-long trajectory.

So, is there any chance that Messrs. Gore and Edwards might possibly join forces?

Not likely, based on what I've seen and heard to date. That their respective laudable and ambitious goals could possibly be synergistic seems beyond the grasp of these two leaders and their acolytes.

I've covered this topic — the job-creation potential of clean technology and renewable energy — repeatedly over the years (see posts in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008). While the job-growth trajectories may not have been as rapid or steep as anticipated, there's no doubting the rich potential opportunities, especially at the local level. All solar is local, to paraphrase Tip O'Neill, as is all wind, geothermal, wave, tidal, and biomass energy. That is to say, renewable energy has the potential to create jobs in every metropolis, town, and village — and every congressional district.

Why are two campaigns with identical 10-year horizons proposed by two former presidential candidates of the same age and political party (and from adjacent states) being treated as unconnected, separate efforts? Why aren't the initiatives to bolster our environmental, energy, and economic security joined at the proverbial hip? I don't have an answer; let me know if you do.

Carbon-Free Energy, Cutting Poverty in Half: Mr. Gore, Meet Mr. Edwards

While I appreciate the sentiment here (and please read the whole article) - I think Edwards and Gore are very much in contact: Edwards noted that he has spoken with with former Vice President Al Gore recently but would not offer details of those conversations private. But he did say that he believed Gore and his impact on attitudes toward global warming, are a great example of what people can achieve outside of politics.March 21, 2008

[benny05]

1. He's speaking at SustainPro Conference

More geared for Business, but how to be more green conference.

Chicago, IL October 29-30

http://www.sustainpro.com/

[waiting for hope]

3. Thanks for the link -

Good to see him pushing the positive!

[MonteLukast]

2. Ahhh, this is much better.

The South is one of the worst places for sustainable energy use, and I'm glad they're addressing this problem for their region.

Green jobs mean attacking poverty. Excellent message to put forth.