Lighting up the TED stage, Nobel laureate Al Gore takes stock of the current state of climate progress and calls attention to institutions that have failed to honor their promises by continuing to pour money into polluting sectors. He explains how the financial interests of fossil fuel companies have blocked the policymaking process in key countries -- and calls for a global epiphany to take on the climate crisis. "Do not give up hope," Gore says. "And remember always that political will is itself a renewable resource."

In the midst of rapid innovation—like affordable solar, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen—the climate crisis is spiraling faster than solutions are being deployed. Financial institutions continue to pour billions into fossil fuels, fueling disasters such as record-shattering heat in British Columbia and deadly storms in the Philippines. Despite having the technology to make meaningful change, political paralysis and fossil fuel interests block urgent action. Only a powerful surge of political will can turn the tide and begin healing the planet.

Progress Outpaced By Crisis Until Political Will Shifts

Countdown: A global initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis

This is the moment to take on the climate crisis

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TED Stage Talk

Al Gore: This is the moment to take on the climate crisis