Former Vice-president Al Gore delivered a lecture on climate change and sustainability at the University of Hawaii on Apr. 15 to a soldout audience.

The seminar, organized by the university and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, was the culminating event of a day-long summit, Ascent, which discussed and proposed solutions for Hawaii’s most important problems. Topics included renewable energy, sustainable energy, water use and human impact on climate change.

Junior Kristen Kate Tumacder said, “I found Al Gore’s motivation to solve the sustainability and climate problem inspirational. His words, ‘We’re going to solve this’ and ‘Be a part of the change’ motivate me to sustain the environment.”

Gore shared insights on topics which relate specifically to Hawaii.

Toni Normand, Director of Student Activities, said, “I enjoyed hearing former Vice-president Gore. I try to keep informed, and I know there have been some doubters about climate change, so I was glad I had the chance to hear his viewpoint. It made me interested to keep reading and studying more about the topic. I was also glad they gave students the opportunity to attend and hear him, so they can begin to form their own opinions.”

The seminar was part of the Stephen and Marylyn Pauley Seminar in Sustainability series, organized by the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program and co-hosted by the university.