Al Gore wants you to start taking global warming seriously. And in a 2006 speech, he offered specific tips on how to do so.

Step 1: Cut energy at home

Reduce emissions created by your home with better design, more insulation, and green electricity. Try installing solar panels on your roof.

Step 2: Reduce car emissions

Reduce your car emissions by buying a hybrid car, taking trains instead of planes for regional trips, carpooling, biking, and walking.

Step 3: Buy efficient appliances

Buy energy-efficient appliances and products. Look for the U.S. government-sponsored Energy Star logo.

Step 4: Calculate your carbon footprint

Calculate your impact on the environment with a carbon-footprint calculator. You can find them on such sites as the one for the film An Inconvenient Truth, www.climatecrisis.net.

Step 5: Live a carbon neutral life

Live a carbon neutral life by reducing the energy you use and offsetting the rest with positive actions such as planting trees.

Step 6: Be green at work

Be green at work by bringing your lunch in reusable containers, using a ceramic mug, and printing documents only when necessary. If you own a business, make it green by using recycled paper and energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs.

Step 7: Be a green investor

Put your money where your mouth is by only investing in green companies.

Step 8: Be a catalyst for change

Become a catalyst for change in your community by teaching others about the climate crisis.

Step 9: Vote

Vote for candidates who believe in capping and trading carbon emissions, and who have articulated clear policies for dealing with global warming.