Former Vice President Al Gore with Scholastic Kid Reporters Samantha Group (L) and Emma Huibregtse. (Photo: Bailey Photography)

April 26, 2007

Bright lights filled the stage as choirs sang in different languages. A series of incredible short films played on the big screen. It was a great show, but also a warning to the audience.

This year the Tribeca Film Festival chose a serious topic for its opening night gala—the climate crisis. Former Vice President Al Gore was the evening's host, introducing a number of musical acts, as well as several "Save Our Selves" (SOS) short films.

SOS is a campaign that is sending the world's citizens a message about a very dangerous truth. The planet that we call home is in danger. People must come together to fight the climate crisis. SOS is spreading this message in a number of ways.

At the opening, the SOS campaign introduced the audience to a series of short documentaries. This summer, the SOS campaign will reach out to the entire world through music.

On July 7, 2007, bands from all over the world will participate in Live Earth concerts on all seven continents. The concerts are part of Mr. Gore's efforts to spread the word about global warming. Several of the artists participating in Live Earth, including Jon Bon Jovi, performed at the Tribeca Film Festival''s opening gala.

After the screenings, Samantha Group (a fellow Kid Reporter) and I were in for a big surprise. After asking very nicely, we actually got permission to interview the one and only Mr. Al Gore (former Vice President, inspiration for the documentary An Inconvenient Truth, and all-around environmental activist).

I offered my trembling hand as a greeting. Our question for Mr. Gore was simple, but important. We asked how he stays motivated.

According to Mr. Gore, the next generation is what keeps him going. He knows his children, grandchildren, and future generations are the ones who are going to have to make big changes happen. Much of his work is for them.

Making a Difference

Global Warming is a condition that occurs when humans burn fossil fuels, resulting in a release of CO2, or carbon dioxide. CO2—or greenhouse gases—form a layer in the atmosphere that acts as a thermal blanket.

So why does that matter? Global warming melts glaciers and affects weather patterns and water temperatures, which can cause flooding or droughts, as well as threaten plant and animal life.

It's a big problem, but everyone can do his or her part to help. I interviewed plenty of "green" guests on the red carpet who have their own tactics for saving the Earth.

Artist Alex Beard became active after being confronted with a real-life disaster: Hurricane Katrina.

"I lived in New Orleans for a long time," he said. "I really started to focus on [global warming] when most of my city washed away . . . I got a firsthand look at what the consequences are for our inaction to fix the planet."

Eric Wainaina, a Kenyan composer, wrote the music for the documentary Owen and Mzee. Eric says he was always involved in Earth-friendly projects and celebrations as a kid.

"We're very conscious of the environment where I'm from," he explained.

When asked how he felt about being involved with SOS, Eric had only positive things to say.

"I'm thrilled," said Eric. "It's a wonderful thing, because if we're not careful, we’re running ourselves out of a planet."

"If you wish to go quickly go alone, if you wish to go far, go together."
-African Proverb