As we in the cross-country skiing community lament the steady retreat of winter, there is plenty of lambasting of government policy and bureaucracy and inertia. But in the midst of it comes a bold and mindboggling challenge, that perhaps, if enough people get behind it, could actually materialize into a promising reality.
Echoing John F. Kennedy's 1961 challenge to Congress to put a man on the moon within the decade, Al Gore recently challenged Congress to run America on 100% zero-carbon electricity within 10 years. (Two men did land on the moon 8.5 years later.)
It's a good speech too, void of the around-about empty statements that all too often emanate from the mouths of politicians. Check out the video, discuss it however you like, send it to friends, and get the word out.
It is important to note that Gore is talking specifically about electric generation – not transportation. This makes the goal more attainable. It is still a monumental task – especially when you consider how long it takes to get permitting and construct a single wind turbine. But Gore's point is that if the nation comes together, makes sacrifices, and puts in the work, great things can happen.
Gore's also put together a supporting website for the challenge: http://wecansolveit.org. It features a longer version of the speech, petitions for congress, and ideas for reducing your energy usage.
