CleanEnergy Project author Maiken Winter posted this note live from the U.N. conference in Poznan:

Below are the exact words from Al Gore’s speech at Poznan. By the way, press was allowed to this event. A part of Al Gore’s speech can be seen on 350.org

Speech as Delivered at the Conference of Parties - 14, Poznan, Poland, December 12, 2008

Introduction by Yvo de Boer.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. The man that I have the honor of introducing to you today really needs to introduction. He is well known in all corners of the world for his tireless work on bringing climate change to people’s attention. He is known for transforming the complicated calculations, methods and projections of climate changescience into something real, something tangible, something that everybody can comprehend, digest and integrate. And he did so at a time when a large part of the world didn’t think it mattered, when the climate change skeptics still had their heyday but he persevered.

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Al Gore’s speech today is way too important to try to rephrase it in my own words. Please take the time to read it yourself - and see how it might apply to your own country. Al Gore is giving us great material to pressure politicians all over the world for immediate actions to end coal. You can also watch the entire speech on YouTube.

Ladies and gentlemen:

There are times in the history of our nation when our very way of life depends upon dispelling illusions and awakening to the challenge of a present danger. In such moments, we are called upon to move quickly and boldly to shake off complacency, throw aside old habits and rise, clear-eyed and alert, to the necessity of big changes. Those who, for whatever reason, refuse to do their part must either be persuaded to join the effort or asked to step aside. This is such a moment. The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk. And even more - if more should be required - the future of human civilization is at stake. (more…)