40 Facts About Al Gore

Early Life and Education

Al Gore's journey began long before he became a household name. His early years and education played a significant role in shaping his future.

1. Born on March 31, 1948, in Washington, D.C., Al Gore grew up in a political family. His father, Albert Gore Sr., was a U.S. Senator.

2. Gore attended Harvard University, where he roomed with future actor Tommy Lee Jones. He graduated with a degree in government in 1969.

3. After Harvard, Gore enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a military journalist.

4. Post-military service, he attended Vanderbilt University Divinity School and later Vanderbilt Law School but did not complete his degrees.

Political Career

Al Gore's political career spans decades, with significant contributions at various levels of government.

5. Gore was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1976, representing Tennessee's 4th congressional district.

6. In 1984, he moved to the U.S. Senate, where he served until becoming Vice President in 1993.

7. As a senator, Gore was known for his work on environmental issues, technology, and arms control.

8. Gore ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 but lost to Michael Dukakis.

9. He served as Vice President under Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001, focusing on technology, environmental issues, and government reform.

Environmental Advocacy

Gore's passion for the environment has been a defining aspect of his post-political career.

10. In 2006, Gore's documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" highlighted the dangers of climate change and won an Academy Award.

11. He founded the Alliance for Climate Protection, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating global warming.

12. Gore received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his efforts to build awareness about climate change.

13. He authored several books on environmental issues, including "Earth in the Balance" and "The Assault on Reason."

14. Gore's Climate Reality Project trains activists worldwide to spread awareness about climate change.

Technological Contributions

Gore's interest in technology has also left a lasting impact.

15. As Vice President, Gore championed the development of the internet, coining the term "Information Superhighway."

16. He played a crucial role in the creation of the E-Government Act of 2002, which aimed to improve government services through technology.

17. Gore served on the board of directors for Apple Inc. and was a senior advisor to Google.

18. He co-founded Generation Investment Management, a firm focused on sustainable investments.

19. Gore's work in technology earned him a spot in the Internet Hall of Fame in 2012.

Personal Life

Beyond his public persona, Gore's personal life has been marked by both triumphs and challenges.

20. Gore married Mary Elizabeth "Tipper" Aitcheson in 1970. They have four children together.

21. The Gores separated in 2010 after 40 years of marriage but have remained on good terms.

22. Gore's son, Albert Gore III, survived a near-fatal car accident in 1989, which deeply affected the family.

23. He is a vegetarian and advocates for plant-based diets to combat climate change.

24. Gore's daughter, Karenna, is an environmental activist and writer, following in her father's footsteps.

Awards and Honors

Gore's work has earned him numerous accolades over the years.

25. In addition to the Nobel Peace Prize, Gore received a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on Current TV.

26. He was awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation in 2007.

27. Gore received the NAACP Image Award for his environmental work.

28. He was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2008.

29. Gore was named a "Hero of the Environment" by Time magazine in 2007.

Business Ventures

Gore's business ventures reflect his commitment to sustainability and innovation.

30. He co-founded Current TV, a cable and satellite television network, which was later sold to Al Jazeera.

31. Gore's Generation Investment Management focuses on long-term, sustainable investments.

32. He is a partner at Kleiner Perkins, a venture capital firm that invests in green technology.

33. Gore's book "The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change" explores the economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century.

34. He has invested in various renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power.

Public Speaking and Advocacy

Gore continues to be a prominent voice in public discourse.

35. He is a sought-after speaker on climate change, technology, and politics, delivering lectures worldwide.

36. Gore's TED Talks on climate change have garnered millions of views, inspiring global action.

37. He has testified before Congress numerous times on environmental issues, advocating for stronger policies.

38. Gore's Climate Reality Leadership Corps trains individuals to become effective climate communicators.

39. He has been featured in numerous documentaries and interviews, spreading his message on climate change.

40. Gore's ongoing commitment to environmental advocacy continues to influence policy and public opinion globally.

Al Gore's Legacy

Al Gore's impact on the world is undeniable. From his political career to his environmental activism, he's left a lasting mark. His work on climate change has raised global awareness, inspiring countless individuals to take action. Gore's efforts have earned him numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize.

His documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," brought the climate crisis to the forefront of public consciousness. Beyond politics and environmentalism, Gore's influence extends to technology and media. He co-founded Current TV and has been involved in various tech ventures.

Al Gore's legacy is one of dedication and passion. His commitment to making the world a better place continues to inspire. Whether through his speeches, writings, or activism, Gore remains a pivotal figure in the fight for a sustainable future. His story is a testament to the power of individual action and perseverance.