Former US Vice President Al Gore visited Tsinghua and delivered a speech on global climate change Oct. 10, marking the kick-off of the Tsinghua Forum.  

In his 70-minute speech to an overflow crowd of faculty and students in the main building, Mr. Gore explained the affects of global climate change, particularly the causes and consequences of global warming.

Mr. Gore concluded the speech by stressing the importance of being involved in environmental protection. “You are the future. We have to save our planet,” he said.

Mr. Gore also answered questions raised by the students.

Tsinghua President Gu Binglin met with Mr. Gore prior to the speech and discussed some of the recent developments at the university, including faculty recruitment, campus construction, and international exchange. They also shared ideas on environmental protection.

Tsinghua Vice President Xie Weihe attended the speech. Professor Qian Yi, member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, hosted the speech.

The Tsinghua Forum, sponsored by the Academic Affairs Committee of the university, will feature speakers addressing a wide range of topics, including science and technology, economy, society and culture as they are related to the development of China and the world. The Forum will be held four times a year. 

Reported by Li Han