The insistence on complete certainty about the full details of global warming-the most serious threat we have ever faced-is actually an effort to avoid facing the awful, uncomfortable truth: that we must act boldly, decisively, comprehensively, and quickly, even before we know every last detail about the crisis. Those who continue to argue that the appropriate response is merely additional research are simply seeking to camouflage timidity or protect their vested interest in the status quo.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the urgency of taking action on global warming, despite uncertainties about all the details.
Al Gore's quote sheds light on the critical nature of addressing global warming, emphasizing that the hesitation for complete certainty can hinder necessary action. It suggests that rather than waiting for absolute details, we must act with boldness and decisiveness, highlighting that some people may resist change out of fear or a desire to maintain their current interests. The message is clear: the consequences of inaction are far graver than the unknowns we face.
In practice
During a climate change conference to emphasize the need for immediate actions rather than waiting for perfect data.
Global warming is real and human activity is the main cause. The consequences are mainly negative and headed toward catastrophic, unless we act. However, the good news is that we can meet this challenge. It is not too late, and we have everything we need to get started.
The climate crisis is not a political issue; it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity. It is also our greatest opportunity to lift global consciousness to a higher level.
I think it's harder for people than it should be. But as more and more of us become carbon neutral and change the patterns in our lives to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem, we are now beginning to see the changes in policy that are needed.
We have a planetary emergency. We have to find a way to create, in the generation of those alive today, a sense of generational mission.
CO2 is the exhaling breath of our civilization, literally... Changing that pattern requires a scope, a scale, a speed of change that is beyond what we have done in the past.
Well-established theories collapse under the weight of new facts and observations which cannot be explained, and then accumulate to the point where the once useful theory is clearly obsolete.
Social change involves helping people see new options for making life wonderful that are less costly to get needs met.
The only thing I fear more than change is no change. The business of being static makes me nuts.
When we uncovered the Hinkley case, there were so many other cases like it, and they're just catching up. And we're just starting to see the damage. I was hoping by now there would be more transparency and less defeat and cover-up. I haven't seen much of that change.
Whether it's racism, homophobia, misogyny, transphobia, xenophobia, religious intolerance or other bias - we demand to live in a country where we can be safe to be who we are, believe what we want and love whomever we want.
Making a big life change is pretty scary. But know what's even scarier? Regret.
If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.
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