Al Gore

Definition

Al Gore is an American politician and environmentalist who served as the 45th Vice President of the United States under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001. He is known for his advocacy on environmental issues, particularly his efforts to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Al Gore played a key role in the Clinton administration's economic policies, known as the 'New Economy,' which focused on promoting technological innovation and productivity growth.
2. As Vice President, Gore championed the development of the internet and helped to pass legislation that led to the commercialization and widespread adoption of the World Wide Web.
3. Gore was a strong advocate for the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement that set binding emissions reduction targets for developed countries in an effort to address climate change.
4. In 2000, Gore ran for President of the United States, but lost a highly contested election to George W. Bush, despite winning the popular vote.
5. After leaving office, Gore continued to be a prominent voice on environmental issues, producing the documentary film 'An Inconvenient Truth,' which helped to raise global awareness about the threat of climate change.

Review Questions

• Explain how Al Gore's role as Vice President under the Clinton administration influenced the 'New Economy' and the development of the internet.
  • As Vice President, Al Gore played a key role in shaping the Clinton administration's economic policies, known as the 'New Economy.' This approach focused on promoting technological innovation and productivity growth, which aligned with Gore's personal interests and expertise. Notably, Gore championed the development of the internet and helped to pass legislation that led to the commercialization and widespread adoption of the World Wide Web, contributing to the transformation of the economy during this period.
• Describe Al Gore's advocacy for international action on climate change, including his involvement with the Kyoto Protocol and the documentary film 'An Inconvenient Truth'.
  • Al Gore was a strong advocate for international action on climate change, both during his time as Vice President and after leaving office. He was a key proponent of the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement that set binding emissions reduction targets for developed countries. After leaving office, Gore continued to be a prominent voice on environmental issues, producing the documentary film 'An Inconvenient Truth,' which helped to raise global awareness about the threat of climate change and the need for urgent action to address it.
• Analyze the impact of Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign and the contested election outcome on his subsequent environmental advocacy and legacy.
  • Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign and the highly contested election outcome, in which he won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College to George W. Bush, had a significant impact on his subsequent environmental advocacy and legacy. Despite the disappointment of the election loss, Gore continued to be a prominent voice on environmental issues, using his platform to raise awareness about the threat of climate change and the need for sustainable practices. His documentary film 'An Inconvenient Truth' and ongoing advocacy work have cemented his legacy as a leading figure in the global environmental movement, influencing policies and public opinion on these critical issues.

Related terms

Climate Change: The long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns, primarily caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions, such as the burning of fossil fuels.

Kyoto Protocol: An international agreement adopted in 1997 that set binding emissions reduction targets for developed countries in an effort to address climate change.

Inconvenient Truth: A 2006 documentary film featuring Al Gore's multimedia presentation on climate change, which helped to raise global awareness about the issue.