Previewing a speech in Washington today, Al Gore will call for the United States to address the issue of climate change with the same kind of urgency and resources that were devoted to sending astronauts to the moon in the 1960's.

Gore called for an ambitious plan that would see every kilowatt of electricity come from renewable sources within the next decade. While acknowledging that achieving such a goal would require ingenuity, expense, and sacrifice, Gore said that it would also represent an unprecedented opportunity for the nation.

Gore says that by shifting investment from older, dirtier technologies like coal-fired power into solar, wind, and geothermal generation (and maintaining nuclear power at current levels), the United States would not only be combating global warming but freeing itself from the expense and security challenges created by dependency on foreign energy sources.

He's right, of course, but the difference between JFK's bold moon vision and Gore's eco-dream is that Kennedy was actually President when he came up with his idea. It remains to be seen whether the next President will have the courage and conviction to steer the country towards a cleaner, saner future.

[via AP]