Gore responds to Al Jazeera criticism: Qatar has 'visionary' plan for clean energy

Appearing on Tuesday's episode of "The Late Show with David Letterman," former Vice President Al Gore responded to criticism that he sold the Current TV network to Al Jazeera, which is funded in part by Qatar, despite the country's heavy involvement in oil and gas production, a key driver of climate change.

"I think I understand what you're getting at, Dave," Gore said. "But I disagree with it."

In the days following Gore's announcement of selling Current to Al Jazeera, conservatives criticized Gore for dealing with a company funded by a U.S. ally known for its oil and gas exports. One Fox News contributor even claimed Gore was getting involved with terrorists, and Republican opinion host Bill O'Reilly jeered that Current's on-air personalities might get beheaded by their Al Jazeera bosses if they misbehave.

To the contrary, Gore insisted that Qatar has "ambitious plans to develop renewables in the region," including "a visionary plan to take solar energy and wind energy from the Middle East and North Africa to Western Europe."

Despite Gore's rhetorical defense, the U.S. Energy Information Administration says that Qatar is the world's largest producer of liquefied natural gas, and possesses the third largest known supply of natural gas in the world.

For the most part, however, the longtime climate activist emphasized the quality of Al Jazeera's television journalism, including their numerous awards and reporting on climate change.

"See if you can get Regis a show," Letterman joked.

"I'll suggest that," Gore said.

This video is from "The Late Show with David Letterman," aired Tuesday, January 29, 2013, snipped courtesy of Mediaite.

------

Photo: Flickr user campuspartymexico, creative commons licensed.