Al Gore: Humanity On Earth 'Really Is At Risk'

Global Warming Plans So Far Pushed By Politicians Mere "Baby Steps" Al Gore said global warming puts humanity's tenure on earth "really at risk" and that the "baby steps" proposed so far to combat it by U.S. politicians fall far short of what is needed. What is needed? A 90% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions -- in other words, virtually eliminating them -- by 2050. And we can't wait long to start cutting back, as leading scientists say the world has a window of opportunity to really make a difference, but that window is only open for perhaps 10 years. Speaking at the Aspen Institute's Greentech Innovation Network summit, Gore touched on familiar themes. His strategy is to bypass the political wrangling that so far has prevented the United States from enacting serious curbs on pollution, and instead inspire a mass movement via his movie, "An Inconvenient Truth," the recent Live Earth concert and an impending three-year advertising and organizing blitz. So far, the 2008 presidential candidates have focused debate primarily on increasing the nation's "energy independence" -- and have had varying degrees of interest in rhetoric about climate change. Gore's message is clear: Start acting. First, the politicians have to start talking. Related Stories: Report from Live Earth: Can Fashion Save the Planet? Live Earth Largest Online Entertainment Event in History Live Earth In The Media Live Earth and the Global Warming Generation VIDEO: Gore Hints At 2008 Presidential Outcome Gore Calls for 90% CO2 Reduction The Live Earth 7-Point Pledge Fans Chant: ‘Gore 08''