Bill Clinton and Al Gore at the Democratic convention at Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 1 1992. Image from: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2007/oct/12/nobelprizes?picture=330946195

Gore served his term in office as vice-president together with Bill Clinton as president from 1993-2001. Both leaders had a close partnership whereby they committed to having weekly lunch together where they can discuss important issues and Clinton soon regarded Gore as an indisputable chief advisor as he involved Gore in decision making. As vice president, Al Gore was one who fervently pushed for the implementation of carbon tax to modify incentives to reduce fossil fuel consumption, which is partially implemented

Al Gore as Vice President in 1994. Image from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Gore

During his time as vice-president, Gore was part of many initiatives such as the GLOBE program that was launched in 1994. This program aims to teach young students and enhance their knowledge on environmental issues through the use of technology. It is currently active in 112 countries worldwide and has reached out to over 10 million students.

Al Gore was also a strong advocate for the passage of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. The Kyoto Protocol essentially is about different parties taking action in reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.

“For my part, I have come here to Kyoto because I am both determined and optimistic that we can succeed. I believe that by our coming together in Kyoto we have already achieved a major victory, one of both of substance and of spirit. I have no doubt that the process we have started here inevitably will lead to a solution in the days or years ahead.”—Al Gore, Climate Change Conference, Kyoto, Japan

Vice president Al Gore shakes hands with Japanese prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto during the talks in Kyoto, Japan. Image from: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/blog/2012/nov/26/kyoto-protocol-carbon-emissions

However, Al Gore was then opposed by the Senate, which unanimously passed a resolution stating that the US will not sign to any protocol which does not include binding of targets and timetables for developing and would harm the economy.