Gore hopeful despite dire climate news

TENNESSEE: Al Gore remains hopeful despite dire stats on climate

Former Vice President Al Gore spoke at The Climate Project's North American Summit in Nashville last night. "Temperatures are rising more rapidly," he said. "The ice is melting more rapidly." Still, he said at the kickoff event of the three-day gathering, hope looms large.

He pointed out that exciting new developments with solar cells, wind and wave power, and electric cars are underway, as is a bill in Congress that would effectively reduce emissions.

In earlier talks with the media, Gore said that the economy, as well as the environment, benefits as climate change is challenged.

With economic incentive, perhaps forward movement will speed up.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Legislature overrides Gov. Riley's changes on state budget

ARKANSAS: Proposed state lottery could clear $125 million in first year, says S.C. lottery director

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist's no-new-taxes pledge could lead to veto of state budget

GEORGIA: State GOP convention begins today in Savannah

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear considers special legislative session

LOUISIANA: Legislature fights over Louisiana Appropriation

MISSISSIPPI: Former Gov. Mabus approved by Senate panel to Navy Secretary post

NORTH CAROLINA: Legislators go after collection agencies

SOUTH CAROLINA: Rep. Dennis Moss switches to Republican party

VIRGINIA: Environment Virginia pushes officials to require energy-efficient homes

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