For example, Gore said throughout history people have engaged in wars, illustrating his point with a slide of an ancient Greek vase with two figures battling.

However, the development of technology, like the atomic bomb, used in this age-old combat have new and serious environmental consequences.

Gore also related his own political experiences in trying to deal with these problems. He said too often, politicians use scientific uncertainty as a reason not to deal with environmental problems.

A private question and answer period followed the speech. After the talk, students said they were impressed by Gore’s presentation.

“I’ve never seen anyone in politics,” Summer A. Montacute ’06 said. “He was incredibly persuasive in global issues, and presented interesting perspectives. Gore made me question my point of view. He is a little more to the left than I am.”

Lecturer on Environmental Science and Public Policy David Cash invited Gore to speak to students about his concerns and experiences. Gore wrote Earth in the Balance, a book about the environment, and has advocated for the environmental protections throughout his political career.

“Who else better to answer questions about public policy and the environment than Gore?” Cash said.