Gore: Right economic choices address climate change and create wealth - WEF website

http://www.weforum.org/site/homepublic.nsf/Content/Gore%3A+Right+economic+choices+address+climate+change+and+create+wealth
Gore: Right economic choices address climate change and create wealth

"The world is entering a 'Period of Consequences'" as a result of global warming and climate change, said former US Vice-President Al Gore in a presentaion to World Economic Forum staff in Geneva. Recent occurences of phenominal weather conditions demonstrate that "we are witnessing a collision between the current design of our civilization and earth", and this is transforming humanity's relationship with our planet, he said. He outlined changes in global climate patterns - flooding and storms; drought and desertification; thaws in glaciers and permafrost - which have contributed to a rise in pestilence and recurring infectious diseases, infrastructure damage and pressure on food and water supplies. Choosing between the economy or the environment is a "false choice", said Gore. He pointed to a "striking contrast" between expert opinion and the mass media and lobbying campaigns, and underlined the existence of a scientific consensus. The consequences of global warming will reap a diminished ability for the world's citizens to enjoy our planet, according to Gore, and the "right economic choices create wealth" and sustainability, including that of the environment. The challenge of global warming can be met, he argued, stressing that humanity already possesses the technology and knowhow to solve the problem. He cited the diminished hole in the ozone layer of the earth's atmosphere as evidence that governments and business can come to a consensus on environmental challenges."We must keep our eye on the prize. We have to find a way to come together and solve the problem," said Gore. He proposed the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos as the place to meet the challenge of global warming, as "the one place where politics, business, civic and NGOs come together to explore a change in consciousness". He argued that humanity has no alternative but to address the problem. " What gives us the right to inflict this experiment on future generations?," he asked.