Supply Chain Reaction

Al Gore’s urging that the so-called climate crisis could be an opportunity to attract a new generation of engineers may be right on the money.

I had the pleasure of attending Gore’s keynote presentation at the Embedded Systems Conference this morning. While he started off by warming up the audience with some jokes at his own expense (see my favorite quotes from the keynote below), Gore’s tone took a serious turn when he tied the climate crisis, better known as global warming, to the next-generation engineering crisis here in the United States.

For the full breakdown of how the ex-VP did so, check out our news story on the keynote, “Gore: Climate crisis could attract next generation of engineers,” but, in short, his view was that there’s a whole new generation of American’s out there that want to make a difference in the world. If these youngsters can see how technology impacts our ecosystem and the positive affects better designs for power and the like can have, they may choose an engineering career path, Gore believes.

I left Gore’s speech feeling motivated, but questioning if the country’s pre-teens, teenagers and college students are really concerned about global warming. I know I was concerned when I was strolling my college campus, but, frankly, I didn’t do much about it except toss my Diet Coke cans in the recycling bin. I looked into environmental science as a major and found it far too over my head by the time I was in my early 20s, as I had had very little science and technology education in the public school system I grew up in. In fact, our “technology” classes were more like woodshop.

Gore’s talk ended at noon and I headed to the press room for lunch where I met two fellow show attendees that are also two very encouraging parents. First I chatted with Atul Baga, an associate researcher for ThinkEquity Partners. In between talking about Linux and the embedded market, Atul told me about his 9-year-old son who turns down the heat at the family’s house and shuts off lights to save power because he is aware of environmental issues and wants to do his part to help alleviate them. I then met Carolyn Mathas of DesignLine who told me of her daughter, Sasha, whom Carolyn home schools. Sasha at age 13 had several articles published on the climate crisis, including postings to AnalogZone on global warming and what individuals can do about it. 

Needless to say, I was impressed with these kids. I will also rest a little easier tonight knowing that, not only are there kids out there interested in solving the ecosystem issues, but that there are parents out there that recognize the lack of public school education on certain subject areas and are willing to spend their own time to educate their children on these subjects. My woodshop education did little to prepare me or pique my interest in science. Our public schools are not doing enough to encourage the next generation of engineers and that responsibility now falls to parents and those in the field to inspire the leaders of tomorrow. If not, I’m afraid the warnings of groups like the AeA will become cold, hard truths and this country will lose its competitive edge.

“I’m Al Gore, and I used to be the next president of the United States of America.” When the audience laughed, he quipped back while smiling, “I don’t think that’s funny.”

“I used to fly on Air Force 2. Now I have to take my shoes off to get on an airplane.”

“I’m a recovering politician.”

“I had a realization when I looked in the rear view mirror of my rented Ford and there was no motorcade behind us.”

And my favorite: “You win some, you lose some, then there’s that little known third category.”

As always, I’d like to know your thoughts on what Gore presented at today’s ESC keynote. Post a comment and let me know.