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July 21st 2008

Al Gore Says He and Tipper “Walk the Walk”

Filed under: politics — alli @ 12:44 pm

Al Gore appeared on Meet the Press Sunday morning to talk about everything from his 10-year plan on renewable energy to his own personal energy habits.

Asked whether he would serve as Energy Czar or Vice President, he said, “My own best role is to try to bring about a sea change in public opinion.” Tom Brokaw pushed him, saying there is no more powerful spot than 1600 Pennsylvania, and recalling General Sherman’s famous quote (”If nominated I will not run, and if elected I will not serve”), Gore quipped, “I’ve already been elected and I didn’t serve.”

Asked about his personal lifestyle, Gore said, “I don’t claim to be perfect,” but pointed out that he and Tipper “walk the walk.” They use wind, geothermal, and solar power, and have reduced their gas bill by 90%.

He also said that he is flying commercial more often–in fact, today he’ll be flying Southwest. When asked whether he would support a surcharge for private aviation, the mode of transportation so many of our celeb favorites prefer, Gore said, “Fine by me. Sounds like a good idea.”

Alli is an event planner, social media enthusiast and editor at www.nextgenerationevent.com, which focuses on enviro-conscious and tech-forward events.

June 10th 2008

Tom Brokaw Cleverly Knocks Letterman On Environmental Footprint

Filed under: film-tv, television — michael @ 9:21 pm

It was oh so subtle, but last night on the Late Show, Tom Brokaw threw an upper-cut at David Letterman that landed hard on the host’s environmental hypocrisy. 

Brokaw was there to promote his new book, Boom! Voices of the Sixties: Personal Reflections on the ’60s and Today, but soon found himself discussing the recently failed climate change bill and the historical significance of the Bush administration. When Letterman bemoaned the lack of government support on the issue of global warming, Brokaw replied, “The government has to lead and those of us who drive (insinuating Letterman) — uhh uhh — big carbon-emitting vehicles or fly in airplanes that have only two passengers on them…” Which provoked Letterman to utter, “Alright, alright, that’s fine Tom,” and end the conversation. 

Uncomfortable, are we? 

So, yes, Letterman cornered himself and does not have much of a record to be advocating for change when his own personal life reflects nothing of that conviction. Kudos to Brokaw for calling him on it. It’s a tricky line to balance as a celebrity pontificating on global warming. These days, simply talking about it is not enough to earn you respect. You have to back it up. Somehow, someway.

Otherwise, the joke’s on you. 

via Newsbusters

April 23rd 2008

ABC News’ Bob Woodruff To Anchor Planet Green Newscast

Filed under: film-tv, television — michael @ 3:38 pm

In an effort to broaden the scope of their green programming, Discovery Channel announced this afternoon that Bob Woodruff from ABC News will anchor a weekly newscast on Planet Green. Slated to premiere in July (the network itself launches in June), “eco-cast” — as it is tentatively called — will be produced by ABC News and draw from its reporting and producing teams worldwide.

According to the release, the show will include in-studio roundtable discussions, feature pieces and debates about eco-issues such as climate impact and environmental policy. Said Woodruff on the opportunity, “I’ve traveled around the world covering a wide range of stories, but the environment is one story that knows no boundaries or limitations in terms of its impact on humanity. It affects us all, and I am deeply committed to shining a light on the challenges facing our planet and its inhabitants, as well as on solutions going forward.”

Woodruff isn’t the only news anchor lending his talents to the new network. Tom Brokaw will also host a number of eco-specials this coming fall. Things are shaping up nicely — but the real question remains: Will anyone tune in?

via broadcastingcable