Climate Action is Unstoppable and "Climate Realism" is a Myth
Provided by: TED|Published on: October 16, 2025
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Videos
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Civics, Engineering
Authors: Al Gore
Region: Global
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this TED Talk, former Vice Preseident Al Gore talks about where we are at 10+ years after the Paris Climate Agreement, the fossil fuel industry's focus on "climate realism," and their focus on adaptation rather than mitigation.
- The Vice President explains all of the problems with this idea, highlights the major achievements we've already made in advancing renewable energy, and reinforces the committments to the Paris Agreement and climate mitigation.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Al Gore is a passionate speaker, and his anger at the fossil fuel industry is both palpable and contagious, which may motivate students and viewers into action.
- Gore has many graphs, charts, and other visual aids that punctuate his points and help students visualize the information.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand climate change and adaptation vs. mitigation measures.
- There is a brief reference to religion in this speech.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Al Gore mentions Louisiana's Cancer Alley. Students can engage more deeply with this and other examples of environmental injustice with this lesson plan.
- English language arts or speech teachers can use this video as an example of public speaking. Students can note how the speaker's tone, visual aids, transitions, and other aspects contribute to his message.
- This talk provides many opportunities for additional exploration. Teachers can use this video to hook students into units about clean energy, the impacts of climate change on health, how private interest influences public policy, and other topics.
- This is a great video to watch when discussing and learning about the Sustainable Development Goals. Gore touches on many of the goals and illustrates how they are all connected. Students will be able to see connections to Goal 3, Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 7, Affordable and Clean Energy, Goal 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and many others.
This moving talk from Al Gore stresses the urgency of climate action. The misconception promoted by proponents of "climate realism" that adaptation alone can save humanity from climate risk is debunked. All claims are grounded in sound scientific data, with sources cited on screen. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
