Former Vice President Al Gore Joins Max Baucus in "A Climate Conversation"

Former Vice President Al Gore and former Senator and Ambassador Max Baucus discussed climate change, and reasons for hope, in front of a large in-person and online audience on Thursday, October 28, as part of the Baucus Institute Speakers Series.

“Every night on the news is like a nature hike through the Book of Revelations,” said Gore, prompting laughter from the in-person watch party at University of Montana, co-hosted by The Nature Conservancy. “We need as many voices as we can calling for positive change.”

The Baucus Institute Director, Sam Panarella, moderated the conversation on stage with Max Baucus while Al Gore participated from his Tennessee studio via Zoom. Both Gore and Baucus spoke of seeing changes in policy over their careers as public servants.

“Political will is itself a renewable resource,” said Gore. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Baucus agreed, noting how he watched China’s President Xi change his stance on climate change during his time as ambassador. “President Xi saw it was an opportunity for technology and for global leadership. He also saw he needed to take action for his people.”

Gore spoke of being inspired by the “tremendous leadership” of Native American and Indigenous communities. “We should strive to emulate the type of leadership that they have shown in protecting lands that include 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity.”

Two Baucus Climate Scholars, Aspen Ward and Audrey Glendenning, also asked questions from the live audience event. Panarella noted that this new program is giving students direct experience working for organizations at the forefront of climate change research and activism.

“I thought the event was awesome,” said Glendenning, “and I am grateful to the Baucus Institute for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful way.”

Both Gore and Baucus spoke of being inspired by younger generations today.

“Support for climate activism has never been higher, and it’s being driven by young people,” said Gore. “If we take bold action today, we can and will avert the worst consequences of this crisis.”