Former Vice President Al Gore’s dire warning about the potential for one billion climate refugees may seem like an exaggeration, but scientists warn that without immediate action to combat climate change, it could become a reality.
During an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” with host Jake Tapper, Gore said that half of human-caused greenhouse pollution could be eliminated in as little as 25 to 30 years if the world reaches “true net zero” and stops adding to the heat-trapping capacity in the Earth’s atmosphere. He emphasized the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power and shifting away from fossil fuels.
Gore pointed out that the consequences of not taking action are already being felt around the world, including extreme weather events, ice melting, sea level rise, and the spread of tropical diseases. But he noted that the worst is yet to come if we don’t act now.
“The scientists who warned us of these megastorms, floods, mudslides, and droughts, and the ice melting, and sea level rise, and the storms getting stronger, and the tropical diseases, and climate migrants crossing international borders in larger numbers, were dead right,” Gore said.
He explained that if we don’t stop adding to the greenhouse gas pollution in the atmosphere, there could be as many as one billion people forced to flee their homes due to the effects of climate change. This would have devastating consequences for humanity and our planet.
Gore called for an end to the control and greed of big fossil fuel companies that have hindered progress on climate action. He urged for a decision to be made to transition to renewable energy and increase efficiency.
While Gore’s predictions may seem alarming, they are not unfounded. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are currently 26 million people forcibly displaced due to natural disasters every year. This number is expected to continue to increase as the effects of climate change worsen.
The urgency to address the climate crisis is clear. It is not only about protecting the environment but also about protecting human lives. Gore’s warning serves as a wake-up call for world leaders and individuals to take action before it’s too late.
As Gore stated, “We still have the ability to seize control of our destiny.” The question now is whether we will choose to listen to the warnings of scientists and take the necessary steps to prevent a future with one billion climate refugees.
