The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk. And even more — if more should be required — the future of human civilization is at stake.
Interpretation
Al Gore emphasizes the urgency of addressing risks to both the U.S. and global civilization.
In this quote, Al Gore warns of the critical threats facing the United States and humanity as a whole, suggesting that these challenges require immediate attention and action. He implies that the survival of our democratic values and the continuity of civilization depend on our response to these risks, urging a proactive approach to safeguarding our future.
In practice
In a speech about climate change, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of sustainable policies.
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.
They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.
To be anti-racist you have to be actively a part of dismantling the systems that surround you and the systems that you benefit from.
Change is the sum of the universe, and what is of nature ought not to be feared. But one gives it hostages, and lays one's grief upon the gods. Sokrates is free, and would have taught me freedom. But I have yoked the immortal horse that draws the chariot with a horse of earth; and when the one falls, both are entangled in the traces.
You don't need to invade a place or install a new government to help bring about a positive change.
Chile has done a lot to rid itself of poverty, especially extreme poverty, since the return to democracy. But we still have a ways to go toward greater equity. This country does not have a neoliberal economic model anymore. We have put in place a lot of policies that will ensure that economic growth goes hand in hand with social justice.
While I knew that individuals had in history - and still could - make a difference, it seemed presumptuous - even pompous - to imagine that I could be part of it, that I could be one of them.
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