"Environmentalists" Win Nobel Peace Prize

From Aftenposten.no (News From Norway):

Immediate reaction to the awarding of this year's Nobel Peace Prize was overwhelmingly positive, with some even hoping it may ultimately lead to Al Gore's election as president of the US.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg called the award "well-deserved," and said he hoped it would be "an inspiration for everyone who works with climate challenges."

Done The Most

Stoltenberg said the UN's climate panel has provided important knowledge about climate change, based on comprehensive scientific facts. Al Gore, he said, has, "more than anyone else," created popular interest and engagement in climate questions.

"I have met both Al Gore and Dr (Rajendra) Pachauri (head of the UN's climate panel) several times, and am impressed and grateful for the work they've done," Stoltenberg said.

Norwegian politicians Børge Brende from the Conservatives and Heidi Sørensen from the Socialist Left nominated Gore for the Nobel Peace Prize, and were thrilled that he was named a winner.

Important Decision

"This is a very important decision for the world's climate and for the battle against emissions," Brende said, adding that he thinks the prize will raise pressure on international leaders to keep global climate changes in focus.

He noted that the prize will be awarded on the same day (December 10) that the UN's climate conference will begin in Bali, putting more pressure on leaders assembled there.

Sørensen said the prize stresses that climate isn't only an environmental issue, but a security and peace issue as well.

Environmental groups from Greenpeace to Bellona and Friends of the Earth were celebrating. "This is wonderful," said Lars Haltbrekken of Norway’s chapter of Friends of the Earth (Naturvernforbund). "The Nobel Committee has focused on the biggest security threat to our civilization."

NVDL: Incredibly good news, and an important message for the world community. But WILL Gore be the next American President?

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Click here to read about Nobel Peace Prize Winners since 1980.