Gore Calls For 90% CO2 Reduction

Also calls for moratorium on coal plants By Dan Shapley News Editor Vice President Al Gore and Live Earth founder Kevin Wall called for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the world's developed nations by mid-century in a press conference Thursday at the Hearst Tower in Manhattan. Gore and Wall unveiled the Live Earth Call To Action -- aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from industrialized nations by 90% by 2050. Worldwide emissions would be reduced by 50% -- meaning developing nations would presumably be expected to shoulder a lesser burden. That percentage is far beyond the goals being considered in the United States, and under international frameworks. The U.S. Congress is considering various proposals, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushing for a 50% reduction by 2050. Key Senators came to agreement yesterday on the idea of economy-wide restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions, but the details are still being hammered out in anticipation of a vote later this year. Gore called for a new international treaty on global warming by 2009, and asked people to demand ratification as part of a seven-point pledge. “Americans have special obligation and burden," Gore said. "This country more than any other should provide leadership in the world and should move quickly. The United States, even when it acts, cannot do it alone. This is a global challenge. We need a tough new global treaty.” For individuals, Gore and Wall published 100 “simple actions” that people can do to help, and a seven-point “Answer the Call” pledge. The pledge blends individual actions with a political edge -- asking people to call for worldwide and national action from their political leaders. To read the pledge, click here. "If future of the world and of human beings depended on me, what would I do?" Gore said, quoting Buckminster Fuller. "Well, the pledge that we're going to ask individuals all over the world who are exposed to Live Earth concert to sign is an effort to begin answering that question." Among the political points on the pledge is a call for a moratorium on new coal-fired electric plants that don't capture and store carbon emissions. Another encourages people to demand legislation that encourages renewable energy investments. On the personal side, people are asked to pledge to reduce energy use and to purchase products from sustainable businesses. To read or take the pledge, visit liveearth.org or send a free text message of SOS to 82004. Live Earth is a concert that will take place on seven continents July 7 that is expected to bring together 2 billion people to hear 150 musical artists. Designed to inspire action on global warming, it will also be broadcast live on a variety of media. For more information, and the rock star lineups, visit liveearth.msn.com Live Earth is also coordinating the organization of hundreds of parties around the world designed to bring people together on the day of the concert to watch remotely. Gore stressed the urgency of the situation by quoting recent studies that show precipitous, unprecedented and unexpected melting at the earth's poles, and he cited research by top U.S. climate scientists that state the world has about 10 years to act decisively if it is to avoid the worst consequences of global warming. "I believe the Live Earth concerts have the power to create a tipping point on this issue," Wall said. "I think they will lead to an overwhelming public mandate for change." Related Stories VIDEO: Gore Hints at 2008 Presidential Outcome Fans Chant: ‘Gore 08'' Gore Draws Wisdom From Vonnegut Gore Stumps ... For His Book 1000s Spread Gore''s Message Poll Results: Should Gore Run For President? Greenland Melting Faster Than Previously Thought 1 Of 3 Ain't Bad? One Ice Sheet Stable Melting Ice Caps Slow Global Warming Snowless Kilimanjaro Should Not Be Fodder For Climate Skeptics World's Largest Lake Drying Up Oil Rush At World's End