United Nations Announces Environmental Awards

Al Gore and Olympics chief Jacques Rogge receive environmental awards

In Singapore today the United Nations honoured Al Gore and Olympics chief Jacques Rogge as recipients of environmental awards. The announcement also urged that countries take further actions to stop global warming. Gore was represented by Darryl Hannah who read this statement on Gore's behalf:

"It has taken too long for global leaders, especially in the United States, to wake up to this fact and respond, but I have hope,"

Only two of the seven individuals who were named as ward winners were present at the Singapore ceremony. Rogge was not present but through a video recording made this statement;

Much more must be done -- we owe this to sport and future generations,"

I find it somewhat encouraging that the winner of an environmental award would choose to participate through the use of a simple technology rather than jumping on a plane. Sending Darryl Hannah does not produce the same impact. I find it amusing that all too often environmental events require people to travel great distances to participate in them. Why not use existing communications technology that would allow them to participate without the travel. if I can talk with people in Uganda, while sitting in my home office, why would I need to burn some fossil fuels to achieve the same result.