ORANJESTAD – Former Vice President of the United States of America and Nobel Peace laureate Al Gore is the main speaker at the alternative energy conference entitled Green Aruba and themed “Our Future with Green Energy” next week. Mr. Gore is scheduled to give the keynote address on September 29 during a gala dinner event at Renaissance Convention Center in Oranjestad.

In preparation for Mr. Gore’s visit, Aruba’s Prime Minister Mike Eman was guest of the vice president at his residence in Nashville, Tennessee to discuss the conference and topics of common interest in the field of sustainable energy.

“Mr. Gore was very hospitable,” Mr. Eman shared Tuesday after the visit in a phone call with Aruban media.

Mr. Gore has participated in various studies on global warming which indicate the great need to transition from fossil fuel dependency to alternative energy sources. Findings include the effects of global warming on the environment, among others on the rising sea levels, which can have a dangerous effect on life in general on Earth, and especially countries with a coastline which can be badly affected if no effective action is taken.

Gore showed much interested in the situation of the sea levels at Aruba’s beaches, this is one of the aspects that the island has to monitor, Eman said.
“Mr. Gore also showed interest in our determination to organize this international conference and our ultimate goal to establish an alternative energy and climate change research facility on the island,” the prime minister expressed.

Eman added that Gore expressed appreciation for Aruba’s efforts already made with the establishment of the windmill park at Vader Piet, which has replaced almost 20% of the island’s energy needs for electricity production. This is especially remarkable as many countries are currently covering much less than 10% of their energy requirements with sustainable energy, Mr. Eman explained.

Prime Minister Eman expressed that he felt very honored that Vice President Gore took time out of his busy schedule to meet with him at his home, where they also enjoyed lunch in an amiable atmosphere.

“Without doubt, I can state that the friendship we forged today gives content and more depth to Mr. Gore’s presence on Aruba for the conference,” Eman concluded.