Al Gore on China’s Climate Rise: ‘I Would Not Have Seen This Coming’
Al Gore on China’s climate rise: ‘I would not have seen this coming’—that was the former U.S. Vice President’s candid reflection during a recent discussion about global sustainability. Once the torchbearer of American climate leadership, Gore now acknowledges that China has emerged as the unexpected frontrunner in the global energy transition.
Image Credits:Brendon Thorne / Getty Images
What once seemed improbable to him 25 years ago, when he was campaigning for the U.S. presidency with a bold climate agenda, is now reality: China is spearheading climate action while the U.S. struggles with political division and policy rollbacks.
A Shift in Global Climate Leadership
Reflecting on China’s rapid rise, Gore admitted he never would have predicted this outcome. He emphasized that while it’s bittersweet to see the U.S. sidelined, the bigger picture is positive: the planet needs leadership, and China has stepped into the role.
Rather than lamenting, Gore praised China’s efforts, noting that what matters most is progress—not which country leads. Still, he expressed concern over America’s missed opportunity to harness innovation, influence, and policy to accelerate climate goals.
Generation Investment Management’s Climate Report
Alongside Lila Preston of Generation Investment Management, Gore unveiled their ninth annual climate report. The report highlighted the U.S.’s climate setbacks and detailed China’s transformation into what they describe as the world’s first “electro state.”
Their findings point to China’s investments in clean energy, electric vehicles, and infrastructure, which have positioned the country as the global driver of the transition to sustainability.
Key Conversations on Climate and Tech
During the interview, Gore and Preston also explored how other industries intersect with climate action:
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Tech and minerals: The growing demand for rare earth minerals raises questions about responsible mining.
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AI and energy: The boom in artificial intelligence and data centers could significantly affect global energy consumption.
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Space industry: Rocket launches are being debated—are they really aligned with climate goals, or do they present new challenges?
These discussions underscore the complexity of the transition, where technological progress must be balanced with sustainability.
Why Gore’s Perspective Matters
Al Gore has long been a global voice on climate, and his reflections carry weight in today’s shifting landscape. His acknowledgment—“I would not have seen this coming”—about China’s rise underscores a new reality: leadership in sustainability is no longer solely defined by Western powers.
For Gore, the urgency remains clear. The world must rally around solutions, regardless of who leads, because the climate crisis won’t wait for politics to align.
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