Had the pleasure of viewing the Al Gore documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth" and after having spent the 1.5hrs of my time... I have no regrets. Although I happen to earn a living in an industry that has struggled to advance the technology of renewable energy/fuels, I am not conflicted. The film is a stark reminder of the impact humans are having on the environment. I do not remember hearing much about this work. Perhaps this is due to the region which I live.
Some have mocked Gore and his role in the tobacco industry and his inability to win a rigged election (lost home state of Tennessee). Nonetheless, the research he has collected is quite compelling and very reasonable. I had no idea that this campaign has consumed much of his life. If you have not viewed this project, I encourage you to do so. Especially, if you are a member of the scientific or technical community. There is much work to do.
There is a whole frontier ahead of you! You have probably already made a few steps into open source hardware and the possibility of converting fossil fuel vehicles into, say, (sustainable) biodeisel.
Biodiesel is very interesting, I wish automakers would take it seriously. The problem is that the oil manufacturers and petroleum lobbyists make such a huge amount cash on crude oil, alternatives to fossil fuel do not stand a chance. I suppose a tragedy must occur before people change their minds.