Peace Prize winner shuns
limousine and takes the train
Environmental champion Al Gore has sparked criticism for his near-constant air travel, much of it on private jets. He opted for more environmentally friendly modes of transport when he traveled to Oslo Friday to accept this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Al and Tipper Gore arrived in Oslo on Friday. On Monday he'll receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his environmental activism. PHOTO: BJØRN SIGURDSØN |
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First Gore flew on a normally scheduled commercial flight from New York, along with his family, and landed at Oslo's main airport at Gardermoen Friday morning.
Gardermoen is located about an hour's drive north of downtown Oslo, and dignitaries generally ride into town in private cars or limousines. The former US vice president, however, decided to practice what he preaches by shunning gas-guzzling, exhaust-producing cars and taking the Airport Express Train (Flytoget) into town.
The high-speed train was built to serve Oslo's new airport when it opened in 1998. It remains Norway's only high-speed line, and makes the trip to Gardermoen in about a half-hour.
After arriving at the National Theater station in the heart of Oslo, Gore intended to walk to the Grand Hotel, where all winners of the Nobel Peace Prize traditionally stay.
Gore and the head of the UN's Climate Panel, Rajendra Pachauri, will be awarded the Peace Prize on Monday for their long-time efforts to boost world awareness of global warming and the conflicts it can bring.
Gore was due for some sightseeing Friday afternoon, although his plans were unclear. Official Nobel activities begin Sunday afternoon and continue through Tuesday, highlighted by the Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo’s City Hall at 1pm on Monday, a torch-lit parade before the Nobel Banquet Monday evening and the Nobel Concert Tuesday evening.
Gore is due to leave Oslo Wednesday and head for the culmination of the UN's international climate conference in Bali.
Nina Berglund/NTB
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