Al Gore Slams Obama On Climate Policy And Blasts Him About ‘Insane’ Arctic Drilling

Former American Vice President Al Gore strongly criticized Barack Obama about his apparent skewed perception and policies on climate change.

Having always been a pro-environment climate champion, Al Gore just couldn’t tolerate seeing the inevitable destruction of nature at the hands of oil companies. These corporate organizations have been apparently given a free hand by U.S. President Barack Obama, despite cautioning the world and his own country about adverse effects of climate change. Royal Dutch Shell is about to drill an exploratory well in the Arctic Ocean. In simple terms, it means Shell is planning to begin drilling in the oil-rich Chukchi Sea within days.

Needless to say, oil exploration and climate change have always had a detrimental effect on nature. Multiple oil companies have been accused of rampant destruction of nature in order to pull crude oil out of the earth. Such relentless drilling practices have always been condemned by Al Gore and environment advocates.

Al Gore isn’t known to use harsh tones and words. However, addressing the apparent indifference Obama has displayed, he denounced the oil exploration in the Arctic Ocean, terming it “insane,” reported the Guardian.

Speaking about the soon-to-begin oil drilling expeditions, Gore said, “I think Arctic drilling is insane. I think that countries around the world would be very well advised to put restrictions on drilling for oil in the Arctic Ocean.”

Despite what Al Gore may say or think about President Obama approving the oil drilling expeditions in the Arctic Ocean, it is bound to happen. The region is the last remaining place on earth that hasn’t been drilled in search of “black gold.” With potentially more than 20 percent of the world’s undiscovered, recoverable oil and gas, it was inevitable someday. However, drilling in these oil rich regions is wrought with unprecedented risks, said Gore.

“I think the Deepwater Horizon spill was warning enough. The conditions are so hostile for human activity there. I think it’s a mistake to drill for oil in the Arctic. I think that ought to be banned.”

Though Al Gore might be concerned about human life, the marine and aquatic life is at a far graver threat. Gore was referring to the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion that happened in April 2010. The disaster is still considered to be the largest accidental marine oil spill in the world, reported Business Insider. Though accidental, the marine oil spill spewed more than 3.19 million barrels into the ocean before it was capped in July of the same year.

Al Gore was responsible for the definitive documentary on climate change that won an Oscar award: The Inconvenient Truth. Though Al Gore might be fighting a noble battle, oil exploration is the need of the ever-developing world. Unless countries adopt green energy actively, Obama may not have much power to deny oil explorations in regions like the Arctic Ocean.

[Image Credit | Brian Kersey / Getty Images]