Why does this not surprise me.

HYPOCRITE.

He needs to start over and build an Earthship or something. I don't see how anybody can defend this kind of hypocrisy. Do as I say, not as I do, peasants!

"Surely with his big ad campaign with Al Sharpton telling us to green our act..." Sharpton is part of the green movement too? Where have I been?

Are you serious?!? What the heck is wrong with him?!?

What a weird way to describe his consumption. Why compare his use for a year to the average home's use for a month? It still works out to a lot, but that seems like it's just hoping people will mistakenly take away, "Gore uses 232 times more energy than most people!"

And why, when someone drives a hybrid car, do we point at them and say, "Why aren't you recycling?" Shouldn't we be more concerned about the person doing neither?

Akyiba, don't worry I'm just obsessed with these ads--it's this one from Al Gore's "We Can Solve It" campaign... I just think these two are adorable together

hee hee.

I'm sorry, but this just proves that Al Gore doesn't see global energy consumption as a genuine problem, but rather as a marketing tool to pad his millions.

I completely AGREE chatondeneige!!!

That pretty much sums it up, chatondeneige.

Not that you guys are jumping to believe what you want, but did you read his spokesperson's response? If you believe the group, Gore must be running an underground city. Before Gore's written off as a hypocrite, it would only be fair to have someone who doesn't have an agenda assess his use:

"As for the increase in the electric bill, Kreider said that the three-year renovation on the home wasn't complete until November, so it's a bit early to attempt a before-and-after comparison. In addition, the Gores participate in the Nashville Electric Service's Green Power Switch program, which allows them to buy their electricity from renewable sources like wind power, solar power or methane gas. "When they do use power, it's green power," she said, adding that 33 solar panels also supply about 4 percent of the household's power needs."

The sky is falling! The sky is falling!

These kinds of stories are just distractions from the real issues. Torgelson pointed out an oddity in the comparisons and these kinds of reinterpretations of the facts are hallmarks of distraction techniques.

okay, do we know exactly how BIG his house is? rich people live in big houses, and they use a lot of energy.

I don't want to negate how unbelievably annoying Al Gore is, or that he probably IS a complete hypocrite.

my question is, how does his energy use compare to houses of similar size?

and THEN my question for Al is, if you really truly are concerned about the planet, are you willing to downsize to do your part? are you willing to give up a lifestyle you've gotten used to?

All of this unnecessary capitalization, extraneous punctuation, and digital eye rolling is making me frustrated. Why are we so eager to tear this man down? This proves Al Gore is a hypocrite out to make his millions through climate change education?

Al Gore has already made millions. He's on the board of both Google and Apple (positions that came with stock options worth about $36 million.) He wrote a best-selling book, was vice-chairman of an investment company, and his net worth is estimated to be about $100 million. Yes, he makes money from his speaking fees and is involved with companies that sell carbon off-sets, but to write off all of his efforts as an insincere, diabolical money making scheme seems very far-fetched.

I've never understood why people hate Al Gore so much.

thank you stephley, for the information about his energy use. i am not a fan of his, but it seemed like a broad assumption to me to look at his flat rate energy use and make a call on it. I definitely think it raises some questions, such as the one I mentioned above.

Al has gotten used to a wealthy lifestyle, which includes big digs, which use a lot of energy. If he really wants to make a difference, he could "reduce" by downsizing is property. of course, he earned his money, so he can do whatever he wants and live in a mansion as big as he wants. still, he's doing his part to contribute to the problem by living in a monster home, despite all the solar panels, special windows, and special lightbulbs.

I am eager to tear down Al Gore because I believe that he is a liar, hypocrite, and is doing it all for personal gain while trying to maintain that he is so very concerned about our planet.

Stories like this do take away from the issue at hand- treating the Earth with more respect. What also takes away from that issue is sensationalizing things like Al Gore has done.

This is a smaller point, but Al Gore and his wife both work out of their home. This may not seem like a big deal, but it definitely has an impact. When I get my electric bill, it includes what the usage was for the same month last year. My bill is literally twice that of the person who lived here last year, and since I am a lights-off, thermostat-down, use-the-toaster-oven-instead-of-the-real-oven, hang-the-clothes-to-dry, unplug-stuff-don't-just-turn-it-off, conservation nerd, I can only contribute the vast difference to the fact that I work from home and she didn't. I basically have an extra 8-10 hours per day using the lights, heat, computer, printer, fax, phone, etc.

I get so frustrated when every single article about how to save energy and bring down your electric bill starts with turning down the thermostat in the winter when I'm already working wearing uggs and a beanie, and I can't just turn it down to 50 while I'm "away at work all day."

I bet he is saying d*amn Tipper -why did you leave the lights on.

"What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty and democracy?" Mahatma Ghandi

First of all they are using the “American Average”, which includes homes in areas where AC is not as needed and 1 bedroom apts which obviously use a lot less. My yearly average in my 3-bd home is more than DOUBLE this organization yearly "American Average" and I watch my usage and have 14-whatt bulbs everywhere. Also, how big is his home?? His spending might not be so scandalous compared to other homes in the same area & same size... BUT... the man could have a self-sustained home with his money and how much he pushes the subject. I am disappointed...

“Actions speak louder than words, and Gore’s actions prove that he views climate change not as a serious problem, but as a money-making opportunity,” Johnson said. “Gore is exploiting the public’s concern about the environment to line his pockets and enhance his profile.”

This comment says it all. The fact that his energy use could've powered 232 "average American homes for a month" is incredibly hypocritical. Rich or not, if he is truly concerned about doing his part, he would be looking to downsize and use less.

"my question is, how does his energy use compare to houses of similar size?" - This shouldn't matter. Why?

"if you really truly are concerned about the planet, are you willing to downsize to do your part? are you willing to give up a lifestyle you've gotten used to?" - You answered my question.

If you are so alarmed that the world is going to be destroyed, you shouldn't be worried about making sure that your energy use is on par or lower for a house that size, you should be living in smaller extremes.

If you're an alarmist, it shouldn't be about having an SUV with the best gas mileage, it should be about using what has the least impact on the environment.

This is what shows his hypocrisy.

Hey at least Bush's ranch is eco-friendly!

I agree M3 and UnDave and Tiff58!

This really pisses me off, because it takes away from his great cause. And it doesn't matter how much energy he uses compared to houses of that size. He doesn't need a house that size--no matter how hard he worked for his money. No one needs to live in a mansion, it's just wasteful. Of course, just because he's more wasteful than he should be doesn't mean we need to be.

Bush's ranch does have less of a carbon footprint, but it's also not a primary residence.

but I love Super Al Gore with his red cape... wait a minute.. that was in Southpark...

But he did alert us to the danger of man-bear-pig.

it was a bear-pig-man, wasn't it??

we have to see the clip again.. or sing!!

iimaaaaaaaaaaaagina a a a a a a a t i OOOO n!

far be it from me to tell someone what to do with their money when they have a lot of it. Live in a big house if you want. I just think he does so much hollering about saving the earth AND makes so much money off of it that he might live a little more humbly. but whatever.

all i can picture is ed begley riding that stationary bike to power his toaster, or whatever he was doing in that episode of living with Ed. I've only seen it a few times but it seems like there is an eco-activist who actually suffers a little for the cause. and apparently makes his wife suffer in the meantime.

AHHHHHH - my eyes are burning. Just remember, if lava is chasing you, all you need to do is "duck and cover."

(Those of you who don't watch South Park, I am sorry to take us on such a different tangent.)

I'm super serial!

So, how long beefore this gets posted on Yahoo?

I never paid too much attention to him, but this doesn't really surprise me. Anyone who tells others how to live are usually hypocrites.

I watched an episode of Living with Ed and was amazed at how that couple lives on a daily basis. I've seen him interviewed on O'Reilly three times. Haven't really seen him on anything else. Now Mr. Begley practices what he preaches. If he were the one behind An Inconvenient Truth, I might take it a bit more seriously. It would be more believable coming from him. Coming from Al Gore, I just find it humorous. This overweight millionaire who flys around in private jets and lives in a gas-guzzling mansion, is telling me to 'cut back'. Give me a break.

If comparing it to monthly consumption bothers you, divide by 12! His house uses the same amount of energy it would take to power 19 1/3 average American homes in the same time period. Keep in mind, folks, that Americans are the most horrible power consumers in all the world! Or so Al Gore tells us... And he's using almost 20 times as much energy as his fellow giant wasters. Work at home or not, 20 TIMES is a huge difference. And, that's pretending he's not constantly on the road anyway. Which, of course, he is...

Stephley, that's great but he's still using up green energy that 19 other households could be using. I can't believe it takes 33 solar panels to provide 4% of the house's power needs. That's amazing.

If I were trying to be the spokesperson for an entire movement, I would make DAMN sure that my actions were above reproach. I honestly can't fathom the arrogance it would take to march on with a yes, but I'm only talking about what YOU should do attitude.

And frankly, I'm really surprised at how many people are happy to excuse whatever the hell he does. I can't stand him because he brings so much suspicion to green living. How many people might be willing to listen and accept and make some changes in their lives if they couldn't so easily point to him and say, look it's all a bunch of bs anyway!

You should really do your research and get the facts straight before posting these types of articles:

"In the time since the report, real information on Gore’s energy consumption has come to light — including reasons for not installing solar and other renewable sources of energy sooner due to local zoning laws. In November 2007, the Gore’s completed a three-year green renovation (33 solar panels, a geothermal system, LED lighting, etc.) of their 80-year-old home that received received Gold LEED (Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design) Certification from the US Green Building Council.

Now, that same Tennessee group is claiming that Gore’s energy consumption increased by 10%. According to Gore’s spokesperson Kalee Kreider, coupled with the green renovations, the family actually decreased their electricity and natural gas bills by 40% in 2008. Since TCRP is being vague as to when their numbers were calculated, we’re not really getting a fair view of the big picture here — which, obviously, is not a big surprise.

Some other facts to consider: the Gores participate in the Green Power Switch program (offered through their local utility) which allows them to purchase power generated through solar, wind and methane gas—that means that the utility certified that although they are paying a bit more for their power—it is green power. This isn’t an offset, it is a green power purchase.

Additionally, the Gore’s completed their green renovations at the same time that everyone else in the region was experiencing an up-tick in energy consumption due to drought and high temperatures. Would make sense, if TCRP is looking at data before renovations, that such percentages would be in line with everyone else in the area."

"I can't stand him because he brings so much suspicion to green living. How many people might be willing to listen and accept and make some changes in their lives if they couldn't so easily point to him and say, look it's all a bunch of bs anyway!"

YES!!!!

he lives in a mansion?

then, he cannot tell me to green myself!

I think.. the first step to be green is to live in a small house!, small house, less energy, I don't believe in people who are "green" and have these BIG mansions for like 100 people

I have a house, with 3 bedrooms, kitchen, living room and this big garden, I am greener than them, and I don't put that much energy in, I just have a conscience.

Anyone who tells others how to live and make money for it are usually hypocrites.

"How many people might be willing to listen and accept and make some changes in their lives if they couldn't so easily point to him and say, look it's all a bunch of bs anyway!"

But how many people were moved to action by the publicity he brought to the issue? Are you really trying to say Al Gore has persuaded people away from being eco-conscious?

jennifer76 I agree with you 100% you said it beautifully.

re: Ed Begley Jr. I'd rather he be the spokesperson for the entire green movement. At least he practices what he preaches and has been doing so for many years - long before green was in vogue.
And he's a nice man (not saying Al Gore isn't I've never met him), but I did meet Mr. Begley - recently in a local hotel I was in the elevator with him, he's very nice, down to earth and quite friendly. (again that has nothing to do with the topic, I'm just remembering my first random celebrity experience lol and I'm happy it was a positive one).

Torgleson - You might be right and net-net he may have convinced more people than he turned off. But how many more people would have been persuaded to green their lives if he practiced what he preached?

And yes I am actually saying he has persuaded people away from being eco-conscious. I hear from a LOT of people that they think the whole thing is BS and Al Gore is a big, fat liar. And I can't tell you how often I hear the man's name when I wear my "It's getting too hot in here - stop global warming" t-shirt. Along the lines of "Don't tell me you believe that crap from that idiot Al Gore" etc...

Kim - I met Al Gore. He wasn't very friendly. Not mean, but not personable.

If Ed were heading up the green movement, I'd be much more persuaded to listen and spring into action. He doesn't have Al's baggage and he's actually practicing what he preaches.

Too bad Ed doesn't like the spotlight as much as Al.

"If you're an alarmist, it shouldn't be about having an SUV with the best gas mileage, it should be about using what has the least impact on the environment."

Amen 3M!

I've met John Edwards. He wasn't very nice and his hair product alone could fumigate a city. Random - but that's my only brush with "big" politics. Not much to brag about IMO but I need the points.

Piper, we all need points.

Ive known this since his movie came out, scratch at the layers on anyone who is preaching to the masses like he does and you will find rot underneath.

Hey Caterpillar, do you have any Jelly Beans?

I think the questions to ask here are how big is this house and what is going on at this house to consume so much energy despite "he spent $16,533 on eco-upgrades including solar panels, a geothermal system, new light bulbs, and better windows."? Calling him a hypocrite in light of the evidence that he has been retrofitting his home to green standards is pretty silly. There's got to be a practical answer to all of this and I'd like to know just as much as the next person.

If his home is his base of operations than you can not compare it to other homes in energy consumption, because what you have is a home and a business combined. Naturally this would sky rocket the energy consumption.