Two decades after the release of his documentary An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore expressed surprise at the ongoing backlash from the fossil fuel industry and its political allies. Speaking at a New York event marking the film's anniversary, Gore emphasized his optimism about addressing the climate crisis. He stated, "The scientists unfortunately have been proven to be absolutely correct," and noted that the resistance from the fossil fuel industry has been more durable than he expected. Gore criticized the fossil fuel industry's influence over governments and the UN's climate science efforts, referencing reports of Saudi oil operatives' involvement in UN climate reports.
Gore's documentary, released in 2006, highlighted the climate crisis and led to the establishment of the Climate Reality Project, which has trained new climate activists globally. He pointed to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and disasters linked to climate change, as evidence of the urgent need for action. Gore warned that the current rate of temperature rise could lead to severe consequences, including tipping points that could result in catastrophic outcomes.
During the event, Gore compared the climate movement to historical struggles for civil rights and women's rights, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the face of despair. He expressed confidence in the transition to clean energy, noting that it is now often cheaper than fossil fuels. Gore concluded by stating, "The day is coming when our momentum will overtake the resistance. We’re getting very close now," and highlighted the importance of acting swiftly to avoid negative tipping points.
Gore's remarks coincided with a UN climate event led by outgoing Secretary-General António Guterres, who criticized the ongoing expansion of fossil fuels and advocated for increased adoption of renewable energy. Guterres stated that clean energy is now the most secure source of electricity and called for a shift away from fossil fuel dependence.