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“I’m Al Gore and I used to be the next President of the United States,” was the way the former Vice President introduced himself to a standing-room-only crowd at the closing session of the AIA National Convention in San Antonio. A relaxed and charismatic Gore started with this and other humorous anecdotes regarding his current professional status and adjustments to private life.
But very quickly the mood got serious as the presentation turned to the current climate crisis and the Architecture profession’s historic opportunity to play a leading role in humanity’s response. Presenting both danger and opportunity, global warming forces us to confront the most horrifying of questions: “are we creatures destined to destroy our own species?” Gore emphatically believes the answer to this is no, and stated that the buildings we construct and renovate will have more to do with the solution to this crisis than almost any other human activity.
Gore proposed that the relationship between humankind and the earth has been radically transformed in the last few centuries, specifically that “global population has quadrupled and that the science / technology revolution, fueled by carbon based energy sources, has steadily pumped carbon dioxide into the atmosphere”. Gore further noted that “the resulting increase in average temperature has and will affect earth’s icecaps, sea levels and weather patterns” and quoted projections that “the polar ice could be gone in the next 50 to 100 year period”.
However, Gore went on to describe a new consciousness that appears now to be emerging, both among the general public and among building owners. “A new alignment of forces is happening, and we are about to reach the tipping point where the wind will be at our backs.
Architects need to mid-wife the birth of this new reality.” The crowd of over 5,000 listened intently as Gore made the bold assertion that “Architects are now presented with the greatest opportunity in the history of the profession” and that for each individual architect “now is your moment to act decisively and with conviction. Your clients and society are ready to hear what you have to say.”
The problem of a national economy and individual businesses driven by quarterly reports, and very short-term profitability standards, Gore characterized as “insane.” Echoing comments made by noted environmentalist David Suzuki from the convention’s earlier keynote address, Gore chastised the media for focusing on Anna Nichole Smith, Brad and Jennifer while monumental global issues are not even reported on.
Gore went on to itemize some specific legislative initiatives that he is now proposing. First, mortgage assistance for energy saving improvements. Second, elimination of limits on the sale of energy, produced by a building, back to the local utility. In fact, all new buildings could be sources of power generation with this incentive according to Gore. And finally, pollution-based taxes (i.e., a penalty to pay for carbon dioxide emissions).
One final challenge was posed directly to the AIA. “Transform the AIA into a massive environmental educational institution through the development of a website to disseminate information to every member so the design of sustainable buildings is standard practice”.
Gore concluded his address on an optimistic note: “…we are going to solve this crisis and Architects are going to play a key role. As a profession the choice is yours. Are you willing and capable of rising to this historic challenge?” Vice President Gore believes we are.
Ray Beeler, Chapter Secretary / Treasurer
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