LOOKING TO 2021: HIGHLIGHTS FROM VIRTUAL TOWN HALL WITH AL GORE
On December 15th, 2020, Al Gore held a Town Hall with Climate Reality Leaders to discuss the road ahead following the results from the 2020 U.S. election.
With the incoming Biden Administration, the former Vice President cited that we have the opportunity to “be on the right side of history” in the next four years.
Importance of John Kerry Appointment
Former Secretary of State John Kerry has been appointed as President-elect Joe Biden’s special presidential envoy for climate. As a member of Biden’s Cabinet, he will sit on the National Security Council, which signals for the first time the urgency of climate change as a national security issue.
Kerry’s appointment has strong ties to rejoining the Paris Climate Accord on Day One of the new Administration. As Secretary of State under President Obama, Kerry helped to broker and sign the agreement for the U.S.
The news of Kerry’s role has been well received by environmental groups like the World Resources Institute, whose CEO Andrew Steer said: “There are few people in the world with as remarkable a track record on climate change.”
Our Focus for 2021
As Climate Leaders, our efforts should be focused on driving new people to the movement. We can focus on what we all have in common:
With the current state of the economy, we all want to create jobs and provide economic opportunity throughout the U.S.
We all yearn for a more positive vision ahead—for a more equitable, clean and green world
On the National level, our organization’s leaders will be pushing for climate action at the federal level. Our leadership will be encouraging the U.S. to lead by example by:
Focusing on green jobs in sustainability and environmental responsibility, including careers in efficient land management for agriculture, energy efficiency such as constructing “smart grids,” green construction, and recycling and waste reduction to name a few
Delivering affordable, clean energy including solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy
Investing in frontline communities most affected by climate change: low-income people, indigenous people, and communities of color
Now is the time for all of us to spread the word and gain commitment from our national and local governments.