PETA appreciates the work that Al Gore has done to raise awareness about the problem of global warming. But Gore—who once said, "[W]e will face a string of terrible catastrophes unless we act to prepare ourselves and deal with the underlying causes of global warming"—would probably be the first to tell you that saving the planet will require a lot more than raising awareness. The key to stemming the tide of climate change is to make personal changes that will help reduce global warming. So it's a bit of a mystery why Gore continues to eat animals and ignores the overwhelming evidence that eating meat is the number one cause of global warming.

The following are a few inconvenient truths that the former V.P. ignores:

• A major United Nations study determined that the meat industry generates 40 percent more greenhouse-gas emissions than all the cars, trucks, SUVs, ships, and planes in the world combined.
• Researchers at the University of Chicago concluded that going vegan is 50 percent more effective in combating the climate crisis than switching to a hybrid car.
• The official handbook of the Live Earth concerts that Gore helped organize acknowledges that not eating meat is "the single most effective thing" you can do to reduce your climate change impact (emphasis in original).

Since Gore's addiction to meat is apparently stronger than his desire to secure a better future for our planet, we're asking those who recognize that actions speak louder than words to help offset Gore's greenhouse-gas emissions by pledging to go vegetarian for 30 days.

By switching from a meat-based diet to a vegetarian diet for only 30 days, you will prevent the equivalent of more than 270 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the Earth's atmosphere. That means more pollution would be prevented than if you left your car at home every weekday and walked 20 miles.

PETA will help you stick to your pledge by sending you mouthwatering recipes and advice on making the transition. What do you have to lose, besides a few extra pounds and maybe those pills as your cholesterol levels improve? You have the world to gain! So be a green hero, and do what Al Gore is too scared to do: Go vegetarian! Take the pledge now.