China Takes Lead as ‘First Electro State’ While U.S. Abandons Clean Tech Leadership, Says Al Gore
Twenty-five years ago, during the final stretch of his U.S. presidential campaign, Al Gore found himself on the brink of election, weeks away from taking office and driving America’s climate policy from the Oval Office. However, history took a different turn, and he lost the election despite winning the popular vote.
Now, looking back, Gore acknowledges that he would not have foreseen China’s emergence as the world’s leading force in energy transition. “Given what has transpired since then,” he admits, “I cannot say I would have predicted China assuming such a role.”
In a recent conversation with an editor, Gore and Lila Preston of Generation Investment Management discussed their ninth annual climate report, which highlights both setbacks in U.S. climate policy and China’s remarkable progress as the world’s “first electro state.” The discussion covered various topics, including the tech industry’s growing appetite for rare earth minerals, the impact of the AI boom on global energy consumption, and the net positive effect of rocket launches on climate goals.
The conversation shed light on a few key issues:
1. Policy volatility in the U.S.: Given the back-and-forth between administrations regarding long-term global challenges, is it time for other countries to stop relying on America’s leadership?
Al Gore: While the world is making significant progress towards renewable energy, inconsistency in U.S. policy is a concern. However, we believe that the momentum toward clean energy will continue, even if at a slower pace, and the rest of the world will move forward regardless.
2. China’s rise as an electro state: Could anyone have imagined this scenario 25 years ago?
Gore: Looking back, it is not what I would have expected. However, China has consistently demonstrated a willingness to listen to its scientific community and respond accordingly. The country’s rapid advancement in solar energy, particularly, has been remarkable.
3. Coal emissions reporting: The EPA recently proposed ending the requirement for thousands of coal plants and refineries to report greenhouse gas emissions. Why is it important to continue measuring the problem we are trying to solve?
Gore: By ceasing measurements, we risk ignoring the crisis instead of addressing it. Thankfully, organizations like Climate TRACE are stepping up to provide real-time assessments of global greenhouse gas emissions.
4. AI data centers and electricity demand: With the U.S. announcing plans for massive AI data centers, what can be done to pursue ambitious AI development without compromising our climate goals?
Preston: The surge in electricity demand represents a significant challenge but also an opportunity. Renewables, storage, and geothermal energy can meet this demand if harnessed effectively. Meanwhile, AI applications across various sectors have the potential to reduce global emissions significantly.
5. Space launches and carbon footprint: Do the climate benefits of space technology justify the carbon footprint associated with rocket launches?
Gore: While space observation provides valuable data, it is important to minimize the carbon footprint associated with launching rockets. Overall, the usefulness of Earth observation from space exceeds the harm caused by space launches.
In conclusion, while there are reasons for optimism and concern, progress towards renewable energy continues, and the momentum is unstoppable. However, it is essential to accelerate the decline in the ability of polluting industries to resist this transition to ensure that we make this transition in time to avoid negative tipping points.
