'A Generational Challenge to Repower America' and the World

I am sitting here in Buenos Aires and have just watched a video that has just rocked my world. Al Gore has just made an address that has challenged the US to commit to producing 100% of its electricity from renewable energy and clean carbon-free sources within 10 years. I felt that it is something worth sharing and putting it out there for discussion. For most of us who do not live in the US, I still feel that this is an important thing to see and question about our own

If you have half an hour to spare, please go to this website to watch the full 30 minute speech or read the transcript. The video below is a 5 minute highlights version.


To put a real world spin this. As I travel around the world on what is turning out to be a year long Earth Odyssey, my ideas are evolving about the way we live our lives and the way things are structured. With every city i go to the people are all saying very similar things - the weather is changing, food is becoming more expensive and for most people in my generation, the thought of owning property is science fiction. Our world is definitely changing. It's winter here in Buenos Aires and although a year ago it apparently snowed here in the capital - this year its been sunny and averaging 23 degrees celsius.

Traveling for almost 7 months ago has also made me think about my footprint on this planet. I feel so selfish to be flying and traveling around when most people on this earth struggle for basic needs. My hope is that i use this experience for good. That is the my impact on this planet will be offset by the things I do with my life. I don't just mean Carbon Offsets, which are important (and I wish to learn more about), but also in what I achieve with my life. Finding the balance is always the goal... now i just need to find the method. Maybe I should not just look at it as an individual thing which is why I decided to email this post to many people.

If you have any ideas - my ears and my eyes and my heart is open for discussion...


If you have more time, here is a documentary that has really opened my eyes to what has become of our world.

The Story of Stuff - there are 7 parts
Explains our 'consumer-driven culture — from resource extraction to iPod incineration — exposing the real costs of our use-it and lose-it approach to stuff.'

CLICK HERE FOR DOCO

Maybe after we can change the means of energy production, we can then turn to the prospects of improving our mass transit systems around the world....